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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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Pot Luck Soup

1 large pot half full of water
1 medium-large onion
1 stick of butter
Any and every leftover that can be found in the freezer and
refrigerator.
Add onions to water and let it boil. Add butter and let it melt.
When butter melts add all items found and reduce heat. You may
add chicken or turkey bullion cubes.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Mixed preparation in liquid

Date learned: 02-13-1992

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Entertainment

In Silver City (Mississippi) near Highway 49W some boys would
stand near the side of the road and call off the make of cars
before the car passed.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Knowledge
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 02-13-1992

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Seven Layered Salad

Break lettuce into bit size. Layer bottom of large bowl
Layer green onions - shredded slightly
Layer drained green beans (fresh -- cooked, frozen or canned)
Layer diced green peppers
Layer drained green peas (fresh --cooked, frozen or canned)
Layer boiled eggs - diced
Shred sharp cheese - layer on top
Cover with Miracle Whip "globbed" over top to seal salad
Mix Miracle Whip as needed. Do not mix completely or vegetables
will become soggy. Will last for 7 days. Add layered diced
tomatoes if desired.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Plant food Vegetable
Food Drink -- Animal product Egg
Food Drink -- Animal product Cheese

Date learned: 00-00-1991

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ARTHRITIS

WOMEN WILL WEAR A COPPER BRACELET TO RELIEVE THEMSELVES OF ARTHRITIS.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 03-17-1971

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AN ITALIAN DISH

PIZZA FRITTI - HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT WE CALL PIZZA.
CONSIDERED A REAL TREAT THAT SHOWED THE HOSTESS WENT THROUGH A LOT
OF BOTHER TO PREPARE THEM.
USED AT CHRISTENINGS, HOLIDAYS, PARTIES, BUT MOST IMPORTANT TO BE
SERVED AT WEDDINGS.
MADE FROM FLOUR, YEAST, THE WATER THAT ROSEMARY LEAVES HAD BEEN
BOILED IN AND SET ALL NIGHT WITH LEAVES STRAINED OUT, SALT, AND
ANISE SEED. IT IS A SOUR DOUGH THAT RISES LIKE BREAD. IT IS PULLED
LIKE TAFFY (AND IT'S IMPORTANT THAT IT DOESN'T BREAK) AND PULLED
INTO LONG "ROPES" . IT IS COILED INTO DEEP FAT IN A FRYING PAN, AND
DEEP FRIED UNTIL BROWN LIKE DOUGHNUTS.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert

Date learned: 10-26-1969

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PROVERBIAL SAYING

MANY A SLIP BETWEEN THE CUP AND THE LIP.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): ELLIPSIS ; OBSERVATION

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 01-20-1971

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PROVERB

MISS IS AS LONG AS A MILE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): OBSERVATION

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim

Date learned: 01-20-1971

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PROVERB

MORE LUCK THAN BRAINS.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase

Date learned: 10-14-1968

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CUSTOM SOCIAL RELATIONS

WHEN A NEW NEIGHBOR CAME INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE PEOPLE IN
IN THE SOUTH WOULD COME TO THEIR HOUSE AND WELCOME THE NEW FAMILY
WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Number

Date learned: 10-12-1970

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EVIL EYE

WHEN A BABY IS BORN ARMENIANS USED TO PUT A
BLUE BEADED BRACELET WITH ONE BEAD
HAVING AN EYE ON IT AROUND THE BABY'S WRIST.
THIS WAS TO CHASE AWAY EVIL SPIRITS.

Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM WAS DONE DURING THE TIME OF THE 1930
DEPRESSION IN THE U. S.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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SORES

A BELIEVED METHOD OF CURING FOR ANY SORE
WAS BY PUTTING A COMBINATION OF ONION AND BUTTER ON THE SORE.
AFTER THAT ONE WOULD WRAP IT WITH A CLOTH.

Submitter comment: THIS METHOD OF CURING WAS DONE BEFORE THE ARMENIAN MASSACRE
IN ARMENIA DURING THE YEARS 1913 TO 1915.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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EVIL EYE

SOME OLDER SICILIAN PEOPLE WOULD PUT RED
FELT BAGS FULL OF SALT UNDER THEIR
BED. THIS PRACTICE WAS TO CHASE EVIL SPIRITS AWAY.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S GRANDMOTHER PRACTICED THIS DAILY.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 10-25-1971

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METHOD OF CURING

SPIDER WEBS APPLIED TO A CUT WILL STOP BLEEDING.

Data entry tech comment: THERE ARE 5 OTHER SIMILAR REFERENCES IN THIS SECTION OF ARCHIVE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 02-26-1970

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METHOD OF CURING

SULFUR AND MOLASSES SERVE AS A LAXATIVE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 02-26-1970

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MARRIAGE CUSTOM

IN THE MORNING BEFORE A WEDDING, THE BRIDESMAIDS PIN A SMALL
GREEN-LEAFED HOUSE PLANT CALLED A 'MIRTA' ON THE BRIDE'S VEIL TO
INSURE THE BRIDE OF HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT LIFE. THIS IS AN OLD
POLISH CUSTOM.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS ACTUALLY DONE AT INFORMANT'S WEDDING.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Morning before wedding

Date learned: 10-24-1970

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ITCHING FEET

IF YOUR FEET ITCH YOU WILL TAKE A TRIP.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Spirit / Mind / Body
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails

Date learned: 02-28-1970

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THERE IS A BELIEF AMONG SOME ITALIANS THAT ON MARCH 1ST A
PERSON MUST WASH HIS HAIR TO AVOID BALDNESS. IF A PERSON DOESN'T
WASH HIS HAIR HE WILL GO BALD FOR SURE.

Data entry tech comment: OTHER METHODS OF PREVENTING BALDNESS FOUND IN ARCHIVE:
SHAVE HEAD TO SKIN FOR 10 YEARS
CLOSE CROPPING OF HAIR EVERY 2 TO 3 YEARS
USE OF VINEGAR ON HAIR
MIXTURE OF TEA LEAVES, GARLIC, MUSTARD AND ALUM

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Keyword(s): BALDNESS

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 1
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 04-01-1970

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WHEN A NEW NEIGHBOR MOVES INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, PAY A VISIT AND GIVE
THEM A LOAF OF BREAD AND A BOX OF SALT. SUPPOSED MEANING: MAY THERE
ALWAYS BE FOOD IN THE HOUSE AND WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS DONE IN INFORMANTS NEIGHBORHOOD IN SUBURBS IN WINSTON_SALEM.

Where learned: HOME ; WINSTON SALEM ; NORTH

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Number

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POLISH WEDDING

AFTER THE BRIDE AND GROOM RECEIVE THE BRIDE'S PARENTS'
DEDICATED TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
BLESSING AN ORCHESTRA PLAYS ON THE BRIDE'S PORCH. THE SONG IS

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): MUSIC

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Band, orchestra play at bride's house

Date learned: 02-00-1970

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CONJURING UP THE DEAD

IF YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH A DEAD RELATIVE
FOR SOME GOOD FORTUNE OR PROFITABLE ADVICE
SIT A GLASS OF WATER UNDER YOUR BED AND WRITE A LETTER
STATING WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE RETIRING.
THE SPIRIT WILL COME TO YOU WITH THE INFORMATION
IN YOUR DREAM.

Submitter comment: THIS IS BELIEVED TO BE TRUE BY THE INFORMANT.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration

Date learned: 03-09-1968

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