Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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ROSEMARY
ONCE A GIRL IN PITTSBURGH NAMED ROSEMARY WAS KILLED WHILE BEING
ASSAULTED. HER PARENTS BUILT A STONE MONUMENT WITH HER IMAGE IN
STONE ON IT. IT IS NOW A PLACE OF TEENAGE VENERATION. ANYONE
WHO TOUCHES THE STONE AND THEIR HAND BLEEDS IS NOT A VIRGIN, OR
ANYONE WHO SEES ROSEMARY THERE IS NOT A VIRGIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-00-1968
A RED LIGHT IS ADVERTISING A PROSTITUTION ESTABLISHMENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOLISM
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
CHILL REMEDY
TO CURE ONE FROM CHILLS:
TAKE A STRING AND TIE AS MANY KNOTS IN THE STRING AS YOU HAVE CHILLS.
THEN SOAK STRING IN TURPENTINE AND WEAR STRING AROUND YOUR WAIST.
WHEN YOU LOSE THE STRING THE CHILLS WILL HAVE LONG AGO STOPPED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): IMITATIVE MAGIC
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 01-00-1971
TOPNOTCHER
I SAY TO MEINSELF, WAS IST DAS HEIR?
DAS IST MEIN TOPNOTCHER (TOP OF THE HEAD)
JA, MAMA DEAR.
TOPNOTCHER, TOPNOTCHER, JA MAMA DEAR.
THAT'S WHAT I LEARN IN MEIN SCHOOL, JAWOHL.
[THIS REPEATED FOR VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY UNTIL AT THE END WE GET:]
I SAY TO MEINSELF, WAS IST DAS HEIR?
DAS IST MEIN BREADBASKET (STOMACH), JA MAMA DEAR.
BREADBASKET
CHEST-PROTECTOR (CHEST)
RUBBER-NECKER (NECK)
COOKIE-DUSTER (CHIN)
BULL-SHOOTER (MOUTH)
SOUP-STRAINER (MOUSTACHE)
SNOT-BLOWER (NOSE)
EYE-BLINKER (EYES)
SWEAT-BROWSER (FOREHEAD)
TOPNOTCHER (TOP OF THE HEAD)
JA,MAMA DEAR,
THAT'S WHAT I LEARN IN MEIN SCHOOL, JAWOHL!
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A SONG SUNG BY BOY SCOUTS AT CAMPFIRES. IT IS AN
ACCUMULATIVE SONG LIKE "OLD MAC DONALD" AND IT INCLUDES
THE GESTURE OF POINTING TO THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY WHICH ARE
REFERRED TO. IT ALSO INCLUDES A PRETENDED GERMAN ACCENT.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOY SCOUTS ; REMEMBERED
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET
1. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, DEAR IVAN,
THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, A HOLE.
2. THEN PATCH IT DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA,
THEN PATCH IT DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, PATCH IT.
3. WITH WHAT SHALL I PATCH IT, DEAR IVAN, DEAR IVAN?
WITH WHAT SHALL I PATCH IT, DEAR IVAN, WITH WHAT?
4. WITH A STICK, DEAR LIZA ,ETC.
5. BUT THE STICK IS TOO LONG, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
6. THEN CHOP IT DEAR LIZA, ETC.
7. WITH WHAT SHALL I CHOP IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
8. WITH THE AX, DEAR LIZA,ETC.
9. BUT THE AX IS TOO DULL, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
10. THEN SHARPEN IT, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
11. WITH WHAT SHALL I SHARPEN IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
12. WITH THE STONE, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
13. BUT THE STONE IS TOO DRY, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
14. THEN WET IT, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
15. WITH WHAT SHALL I WET IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
16. WITH WATER, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
17. WITH WHAT SHALL I FETCH IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
18. WITH THE BUCKET, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
19. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
ETC...........
Submitter comment:
THIS CAMPFIRE SONG IS ONE OF THOSE CYCLIC SONGS THAT END WHERE THEY
BEGAN AND SO GO FOREVER.
Remembered from the days when I was a Boy Scout.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOY SCOUTS ; REMEMBERED
Keyword(s): CIRCULAR FORM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
HEARING THE DOOR SLAM BEFORE THE PERSON COMES
THROUGH IT, MEANS THAT THAT PERSON'S DEATH WILL
SOON FOLLOW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-20-1970
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE DOG OF A DEAD MAN KNOWS THE
INSTANT HIS MASTER IS PUT IN THE GROUND, AND WILL
YELP AT THAT SPECIFIC MOMENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-27-1969
HALLOWEEN CALL
HELP THE POOR,
MY PANTS ARE TORE
Submitter comment: EXPERIENCE 1940'S, PLYMOUTH, MI
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.1031 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween |
Date learned: 10-00-1965
PUT A PENNY IN A CASKET AND MAKE A WISH.
Submitter comment:
SYLVIA LEARNED THIS FROM HER SISTER, WHO IN TURN
LEARNED IT AT THE HURSES' LOUNGE AT BEAUMONT
HOSPITAL, DETROIT (ACTUALLY IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 09-23-1967
IF YOU SLAP YOUR MOTHER, YOUR HAND WILL STICK OUT
OF THE GRAVE WHEN YOU ARE BURIED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-27-1968
ON HALLOWEEN, WALK BACKWARDS INTO A GARDEN AND PULL UP A CABBAGE,
WHICH WILL INDICATE THE CONDITION OF YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND:
LARGE NICE CABBAGE = HANDSOME MAN; MUCH DIRT = WEALTHY MAN;
LEAN, UNDERDEVELOPED CABBAGE = POOR MAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 03-14-1968
ON HALLOWEEN, HANG AN APPLE ON A STRING ATTACHED TO A RAIL. THE
NUMBER OF PEOPLE PASSING UNDER IT WILL INDICATE THE NUMBER OF
MONTHS THAT WILL ELAPSE BEFORE YOU ARE MARRIED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 03-14-1968
HALLOWEEN PRANK
ON HALLOWEEN, THE YOUNG BOYS AROUND THE FARMS IN PENNSYLVANIA
PLAY A JOKE ON THE FARMER. AT NIGHT, THEY TAKE HIS BUGGY APART
AND TAKE THE PIECES UP TO THE ROOF OF THE BARN. THEY PUT THE BUGGY
TOGETHER AND LEAVE IT PERCHED ON THE FARMER'S ROOF.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): PRANKS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 02-25-1970
"DEVIL'S NIGHT"
AROUND AMERICA'S BIG CITIES THE NIGHT BEFORE HALLOWEEN IS "DEVIL'S
NIGHT" WHEN KIDS SOAP WINDOWS AND ALSO PERFORM OTHER PRANKS,
USUALLY HARMLESS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F103 |
Date learned: 11-00-1969
EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE
ALL AROUND THE TOWN,
THE TOTS SANG "RING A ROSIE",
"LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN."
BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER,
ME AND MAMIE O,ROURKE,
TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC,
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHILDREN ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Joy Happiness |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
DOWN IN THE VALLEY, THE VALLEY SO LOW,
HANG YOUR HEAD OVER, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.
HEAR THE WIND BLOW, DEAR, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.
HANG YOUR HEAD OVER, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.
ROSES LOVE SUNSHINE, VIOLETS LOVE DEW,
ANGELS IN HEAVEN KNOW I LOVE YOU.
KNOW I LOVE YOU, DEAR, KNOW I LOVE YOU,
ANGELS IN HEAVEN KNOW I LOVE YOU.
WRITE ME A LETTER CONTAINING THREE LINES,
ANSWER THIS QUESTION. WILL YOU BE MINE? ETC.
BUILD ME A CASTLE FORTY FEET HIGH,
SO I CAN SEE HER AS SHE RIDES BY, ETC.
Submitter comment:
MISS DAMIN HEARD THIS IN TOKYO IN 1956 FROM A DUTCH WOMAN,
MISS RUTH AMSLER. MISS AMSLER CLAIMED THAT IT CAME FROM A
TRUE STORY OF EARLY AMERICA. THE STORY WAS THAT TWO LOVERS QUARRELED
OVER THE SAME GIRL. ONE WOUNDS THE OTHER WIH A KNIFE AND FOR THIS
IS LOCKED IN A TOWER. AS HE LOOKS OUT HE SEES HIS RIVAL AND HIS LOVE
RIDING OFF WITH THEIR WEDDING PARTY, SO HE SINGS THIS SONG.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): LOVERS QUARRELS ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 12-00-1963
IRISH SONG
ERIN THE TEAR AND THE SMILE IN THINE EYES,
BLEND LIKE THE RAINBOW'S LIGHT THAT SHINES IN THE SKIES.
SHINING THROUGH SORROWS STREAMS,
GLADDENING THROUGH PLEASURE BEAMS,
THY SUNS WITH DOUBTFUL GLEAM WEEP WHILE THEY RISE.
ERIN THY SILENT TEAR, NEVER SHALL CEASE,
ERIN, THY LANGUID SMILE NE'ER SHALL INCREASE,
TILL LIKE THE RAINBOW,S LIGHTS,
THY VARIOUS TINTS UNITE
AND FORM IN HEAVEN,S SIGHT ONE ARCH OF PEACE.
Submitter comment:
MRS. MC CLOSKEY HEARD THIS IN BELFAST, IRELAND IN 1916.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ETHNIC ; Gaelic ; IRELAND ; Irish ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 01-13-1964
POLISH SONG: WHY DEAR MAIDEN
WHY DO YOU, DEAR MAIDEN
BY THE OAK STAND LONELY?
IS IT FROM RAIN, MAIDEN,
OR THE HOT SUN ONLY?
CHORUS
NO, IT,S NOT THE HOT SUN,
NOR EVEN A SHOWER,
BUT A VERY DEAR ONE,
I WAIT IN THIS BOWER}
CHORUS
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, BEC.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): ETHNIC ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; SONG ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 10-18-1971
HOW SWIFTLY THE TIME FLIES
HOW SWIFTLY THE MOMENTS FLEE
HOW QUICKLY THE TIME PASSES
IN A YEAR, A DAY, A MOMENT
WE MAY NOT BE TOGETHER.
POLISH VERSION:
Tak szybko miaja chuile
jak szybo peynie czas
za rok za dzien za chirle
Nie razem bedzie nas.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): Folk Song ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 08-00-1964
MOUNTAIN DEW
CHORUS: THEY CALL IT THAT GOOD OLD MOUNTAIN DEW, DEW, DEW,
AND THEN MEN THAT REFUSE IT ARE FEW, MIGHTY FEW,
I,LL SHUT UP MY MUG, IF YOU,LL FILL UP MY JUG WITH THAT
GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW. MM
MY UNCLE BILL HAS A STILL ON THE HILL AND ROLLS OUT A BARREL OR TWO
THE BUZZARDS IS THE SKY GET SO DRUNK THAT THEY CANNOT FLY,
JUST FROM SMELLIN' THAT GOOD OL' MOUNTAIN DEW}
MY UNCLE WILL LIVES ON THE HILL
MARRIED TO MY AUNTIE LOU
HE,LL GET UP AND RUN IF YOU,LL GIVE HIM A GUN
AND SOME OF THAT GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW.
MY COUSIN MORT WAS SAWED OFF IN SHORT,
MEASURES ABOUT FIVE FOOT TWO.
HE,LL ACT LIKE A GIANT IF YOU,LL GIVE HIM A PINT
OF THAT GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC DRINK ; DRINKING SONG ; Entertainment ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 04-00-1968