Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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IF YOU STEP ON AN ANT, YOU WILL MAKE YOUR MOTHER CRY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT THIS WAS A POPULAR BELIEF
AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN. SHE SAID THAT EVERYONE WAS
VERY CAREFUL TO AVOID ANTS ON THE WAY HOME FROM
SCHOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Insect BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 02-23-1971
IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU TAKE ONE BITE OUT OF A PIECE
OF WEDDING CAKE, CHEW IT UP, CLOSE YOUR EYES, AND
WALK BACKWARDS TO BED, YOU WILL DREAM OF THE MAN
YOU ARE TO MARRY. THIS IS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT
VERSION TO WHAT YOU NORMALLY HEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | 862 Use of object for determining future spouse |
Date learned: 10-24-1971
MY MOTHER ONCE TOLD ME OF THIS METHOD OF PREDICTING
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN, BOYS AND GIRLS, WE WERE TO
HAVE ONCE MARRIED. WE'D HOLD A NEEDLE DANGLING
FROM THREAD ABOVE OUR LEFT WRIST. IF THE NEEDLE
MOVED BACK AND FORTH HORIZONTALLY, IT WAS A BOY;
IF IT MOVED IN A CIRCULAR PATH, WE'D HAVE A GIRL. THE
NEEDLE REALLY WOULD MOVE IN THESE DIRECTIONS, BUT
WE'VE YET TO DISCOVER IF THIS METHOD IS VERY VALID
BUT IT'S FUN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of object for determining number of children or sex of unborn P863.3 |
Date learned: 10-08-1971
PEOPLE WITH COLD HANDS HAVE WARM FEET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THE STORY GOES THAT VIETNAM IS SO TERRIBLE THAT SOLDIERS
SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE LEG SO THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO
GO INTO BATTLE. THIS IS BELIEVED BY MOST PEOPLE WHO
HEAR IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend BELIEF -- P535 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LONG LOST FRIENDSHIP
INFORMANT FLEW TO AUSTRALIA DURING COMBAT DUTY. FOR TWO WEEKS
THEY WERE ALLOWED TO GO SOMEPLACE IN THE EAST. THIS WAS DURING
BOB HOPE'S CHRISTMAS SHOW IN VIETNAM. DURING "SILENT NIGHT" IT
STARTED RAINING REALLY HARD SO INFORMANT PUT HIS COAT ON A GUY
WHO WAS WOUNDED IN BOTH LEGS. AND FINALLY, AT THE END, INFORMANT
REALIZED THIS WOUNDED SAILOR HAD BEEN A REALLY GOOD BUDDY OF HIS
IN HIGH SCHOOL. INFORMANT HADN'T SEEN HIM FOR A LONG TIME AND
HAD NO IDEA HE WAS EVEN IN THE SERVICE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 |
Date learned: 11-22-1971
LEGEND: THE WHITE EAGLE
AN OLD LEGEND TELLS THAT 3 PRINCELY BROTHERS LIVED SOMEWHERE IN
THE WIDE STRETCHES OF COUNTRY BETWEEN THE BALTIC AND THE BLACK
SEA. THEIR NAMES WERE LECH, CZECH, AND RUTH.
THE FIRST TOOK THE NORTHERN LANDS AND BECAME KING OF THE LECHITES
OR POLES. THE SECOND REIGNED IN THE SOUTH, AND FOUNDED BOHEMIA,
THE CZECH KINGDOM; AND THE THIRD, RUTH, WENT TO THE EAST AND
REIGNED OVER THE RUTHENIANS.
PRINCE LECH WHILE HUNTING FOUND A NEST OF WHITE EAGLES WITH MALE
AND FEMALE TYPES. SUCH BIRDS WERE ABSOLUTELY UNKNOWN IN THOSE
PARTS. THIS WAS LOOKED UPON AS A PROPHETIC SIGN BY THE PRINCE.
HE DECIDED TO FOUND HIS CAPITOL THERE, CALLING IT GNIEGN, WHICH
MEANS "NEST TOWN," SAYING "HERE SHALL BE OUR NEST."
HE CHOSE AS HIS EMBLEM THE WHITE EAGLE, WHICH APPEARS WEARING
A CROWN ON ITS HEAD IN THE COAT OF ARMS OF POLAND. IN FACT,
POLAND IS OFTEN CALLED THE LAND OF THE WHITE EAGLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 10-02-1968
KNOCK KNOCK STREET
LOCATED ON ROBERT JOHN STREET IN GROSSE POINTE. WHEN A CAR IS
DRIVEN OVER IT, A KNOCKING SOUND IS MADE. THE STORY BEHIND IT
IS THAT A BOY WAS TAKING HIS GIRLFRIEND ON ROBERT JOHN AND WHEN
HE DROPPED HER OFF, HER COAT GOT CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND HE DROVE
OFF WITH HER HANGING FROM THE DOOR. SHE KNOCKED ON HIS DOOR TO
TELL HIM SHE WAS THERE, BUT WHEN HE FINALLY STOPPED, SHE WAS
DEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
KNOCK, KNOCK ROAD
THERE IS A ROAD IN GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN THAT IS
CALLED "KNOCK-KNOCK ROAD" (ROBERT JOHN ROAD IS THE REAL
NAME). SUPPOSEDLY WHEN THE HOMES WERE JUST BEING BUILT,
OUT THERE, A GIRL WAS RUNNING ACROSS THE STREET AND A
TRUCK HIT HER. HER ARM WAS SEVERED OFF AND FLEW INTO
A NEARBY FIELD AND WHENEVER A CAR DRIVES BY THE SPIRIT
OF THE GIRL MAKES THE ARM KNOCK ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR.
Submitter comment: THE SEVERED ARM OF GHOST KNOCKS ON CARS.
Data entry tech comment: ON KNOCK, KNOCK ROAD-ROBERT JOHN ROAD-IN GROSSE POINTE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 05-00-1967
SHAGGY DOG STORY
A MAN WALKS INTO A RESTAURANT AND TELLS THE WAITER THAT HIS
DOG CAN TALK.
WAITER: I DON'T BELIEVE YOUR DOG CAN TALK. BUT IF HE CAN,
I'LL BUY YOU AND YOUR DOG A FREE MEAL.
THE MAN TURNED TO HIS DOG AND ASKS, "WHAT'S THE TOP OF A
BUILDING CALLED?"
DOG: R-R-ROOF!
WAITER: NOW, LET ME ASK HIM SOMETHING, WHO IS THE GREATEST
BASEBALL PLAYER WHO EVER LIVED?
DOG: R-R-ROOF!
WAITER: JUST AS I THOUGHT. HE CAN'T TALK. GET OUT OF HERE.
THE WAITER TOSSES THE MAN AND HIS DOG OUT ONTO THE STREET.
OUT ON THE SIDEWALK THE DOG LOOKS UP AT THE MAN AND ASKS,
"DO YOU THINK I SHOULD HAVE SAID 'MICKEY MANTLE'?
Data entry tech comment: REFERENCE TO FAMOUS BASEBALL PLAYER, BABE RUTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | 6677 Formula Tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
(ROUND)
WHENEVER I FOUND SOMEONE THAT KNEW THIS CIRCULAR RHYME
I HAD FUN DOING IT.
1ST PERSON: YOU REMIND ME OF A MAN.
2ND PERSON: WHAT MAN?
1ST: MAN WITH THE POWER
2ND: WHAT POWER?
1ST: POWER TO DO VOO DOO.
2ND: WHO DO?
1ST: YOU DO.
2ND: I DO WHAT?
1ST: REMIND ME OF A MAN.
2ND: WHAT MAN? ETC. ETC. ETC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 10-08-1971
THE STORY GOES THAT VIETNAM IS SO TERRIBLE THAT SOLDIERS
SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE LEG SO THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO
GO INTO BATTLE. THIS IS BELIEVED BY MOST PEOPLE WHO
HEAR IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend BELIEF -- P535 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LONG LOST FRIENDSHIP
INFORMANT FLEW TO AUSTRALIA DURING COMBAT DUTY. FOR TWO WEEKS
THEY WERE ALLOWED TO GO SOMEPLACE IN THE EAST. THIS WAS DURING
BOB HOPE'S CHRISTMAS SHOW IN VIETNAM. DURING "SILENT NIGHT" IT
STARTED RAINING REALLY HARD SO INFORMANT PUT HIS COAT ON A GUY
WHO WAS WOUNDED IN BOTH LEGS. AND FINALLY, AT THE END, INFORMANT
REALIZED THIS WOUNDED SAILOR HAD BEEN A REALLY GOOD BUDDY OF HIS
IN HIGH SCHOOL. INFORMANT HADN'T SEEN HIM FOR A LONG TIME AND
HAD NO IDEA HE WAS EVEN IN THE SERVICE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 |
Date learned: 11-22-1971
LEGEND: THE WHITE EAGLE
AN OLD LEGEND TELLS THAT 3 PRINCELY BROTHERS LIVED SOMEWHERE IN
THE WIDE STRETCHES OF COUNTRY BETWEEN THE BALTIC AND THE BLACK
SEA. THEIR NAMES WERE LECH, CZECH, AND RUTH.
THE FIRST TOOK THE NORTHERN LANDS AND BECAME KING OF THE LECHITES
OR POLES. THE SECOND REIGNED IN THE SOUTH, AND FOUNDED BOHEMIA,
THE CZECH KINGDOM; AND THE THIRD, RUTH, WENT TO THE EAST AND
REIGNED OVER THE RUTHENIANS.
PRINCE LECH WHILE HUNTING FOUND A NEST OF WHITE EAGLES WITH MALE
AND FEMALE TYPES. SUCH BIRDS WERE ABSOLUTELY UNKNOWN IN THOSE
PARTS. THIS WAS LOOKED UPON AS A PROPHETIC SIGN BY THE PRINCE.
HE DECIDED TO FOUND HIS CAPITOL THERE, CALLING IT GNIEGN, WHICH
MEANS "NEST TOWN," SAYING "HERE SHALL BE OUR NEST."
HE CHOSE AS HIS EMBLEM THE WHITE EAGLE, WHICH APPEARS WEARING
A CROWN ON ITS HEAD IN THE COAT OF ARMS OF POLAND. IN FACT,
POLAND IS OFTEN CALLED THE LAND OF THE WHITE EAGLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 10-02-1968
KNOCK KNOCK STREET
LOCATED ON ROBERT JOHN STREET IN GROSSE POINTE. WHEN A CAR IS
DRIVEN OVER IT, A KNOCKING SOUND IS MADE. THE STORY BEHIND IT
IS THAT A BOY WAS TAKING HIS GIRLFRIEND ON ROBERT JOHN AND WHEN
HE DROPPED HER OFF, HER COAT GOT CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND HE DROVE
OFF WITH HER HANGING FROM THE DOOR. SHE KNOCKED ON HIS DOOR TO
TELL HIM SHE WAS THERE, BUT WHEN HE FINALLY STOPPED, SHE WAS
DEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
KNOCK, KNOCK ROAD
THERE IS A ROAD IN GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN THAT IS
CALLED "KNOCK-KNOCK ROAD" (ROBERT JOHN ROAD IS THE REAL
NAME). SUPPOSEDLY WHEN THE HOMES WERE JUST BEING BUILT,
OUT THERE, A GIRL WAS RUNNING ACROSS THE STREET AND A
TRUCK HIT HER. HER ARM WAS SEVERED OFF AND FLEW INTO
A NEARBY FIELD AND WHENEVER A CAR DRIVES BY THE SPIRIT
OF THE GIRL MAKES THE ARM KNOCK ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR.
Submitter comment: THE SEVERED ARM OF GHOST KNOCKS ON CARS.
Data entry tech comment: ON KNOCK, KNOCK ROAD-ROBERT JOHN ROAD-IN GROSSE POINTE WOODS,
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 05-00-1967
SHAGGY DOG STORY
A MAN WALKS INTO A RESTAURANT AND TELLS THE WAITER THAT HIS
DOG CAN TALK.
WAITER: I DON'T BELIEVE YOUR DOG CAN TALK. BUT IF HE CAN,
I'LL BUY YOU AND YOUR DOG A FREE MEAL.
THE MAN TURNED TO HIS DOG AND ASKS, "WHAT'S THE TOP OF A
BUILDING CALLED?"
DOG: R-R-ROOF!
WAITER: NOW, LET ME ASK HIM SOMETHING, WHO IS THE GREATEST
BASEBALL PLAYER WHO EVER LIVED?
DOG: R-R-ROOF!
WAITER: JUST AS I THOUGHT. HE CAN'T TALK. GET OUT OF HERE.
THE WAITER TOSSES THE MAN AND HIS DOG OUT ONTO THE STREET.
OUT ON THE SIDEWALK THE DOG LOOKS UP AT THE MAN AND ASKS,
"DO YOU THINK I SHOULD HAVE SAID 'MICKEY MANTLE'?
Data entry tech comment: REFERENCE TO FAMOUS BASEBALL PLAYER, BABE RUTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | 6677 Formula Tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
(ROUND)
WHENEVER I FOUND SOMEONE THAT KNEW THIS CIRCULAR RHYME
I HAD FUN DOING IT.
1ST PERSON: YOU REMIND ME OF A MAN.
2ND PERSON: WHAT MAN?
1ST: MAN WITH THE POWER
2ND: WHAT POWER?
1ST: POWER TO DO VOO DOO.
2ND: WHO DO?
1ST: YOU DO.
2ND: I DO WHAT?
1ST: REMIND ME OF A MAN.
2ND: WHAT MAN? ETC. ETC. ETC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 10-08-1971
SELF PRAISE STINKS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 01-03-1971
WHENEVER WE SAY SOMETHING TOGETHER THIS PROCEDURE FOLLOWS:
1ST PERSON: SHAKESPEARE. 2ND PERSON: LONGFELLOW
1ST PERSON: WHAT GOES UP THE CHIMNEY? 2ND PERSON: SMOKE.
1ST PERSON: WHAT GOES DOWN THE HATCH? 2ND PERSON: A GOOD DRINK.
THEN A SPECIAL HANDSHAKE FOLLOWS AND ENDS WITH THEM BOTH
SAYING TWIDDLE-DEE, PLACING FINGERS UNGER CHIN AND WAVING
FINGERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Keyword(s): GESTURE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-22-1971