Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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DID YOU KNOW THAT AMERICAN ENDS IN "I CAN"?
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS IN FIFTH GRADE AT ST
MICHAEL'S SCHOOL IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. SHE RECITED IT, ALONG WIT
OTHER SAYINGS, EVERY DAY BEFORE HER MATH CLASS. THE TEACHER'S NAME
WAS SISTER CONRADIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
ACTION JUMP ROPE RHYME
NOT LAST NIGHT BUT THE NIGHT BEFORE,
TWENTY FOUR ROBBERS CAME AKNOCKIN' AT MY DOOR,
AS I WENT OUT,
THEY CAME IN.
THIS IS WHAT I HEARD THEM SAY,
SPANISH DANCERS TOUCH THE GROUND,
SPANISH DANCERS TURN AROUND,
SPANISH DANCERS CLAP YOUR HANDS,
SPANISH DANCERS DO THE TWIST,
SPANISH DANCERS GO LIKE THIS.
Submitter comment:
THIS JUMP ROPE RHYME IS DONE WITH A ROPE HELD BY TWO PEOPLE (ONE ON
EACH END) AND AT LEAST ONE JUMPER. AS THE JUMPER SAYS "AS I WENT
OUT" SHE JUMPS OUT OF THE SPINNING ROPE, WAITS A FEW SECONDS, THEN
JUMPS BACK IN SAYING, "THEY CAME IN". AS SHE SINGS THE VARIOUS
PARTS OF THE RHYME THAT INVOLVE ACTION ("TOUCH THE GROUND" FOR
EXAMPLE) SHE DOES WHAT THE RHYME DESCRIBES IN THAT LINE. IN THE
FINAL LINE, "GO LIKE THIS", SHE MAKES UP HER OWN ACTION. AFTER SHE
COMPLETES THE RHYME, SHE JUMPS OUT AND LETS SOMEONE ELSE TAKE THEIR
TURN. AS THEY COME TO THE FINAL LINE ("GO LIKE THIS"), THEY FIRST
DO THE SAME ACTION DONE BY THE FIRST JUMPER, THEN THEY ADD ONE OF
THEIR OWN. THE JUMPING CONTINUES THIS WAY WITH EACH JUMPER ADDING
THEIR OWN ACTION AT THE END OF THE RHYME. IF A JUMPER IS NOT
SUCCESSFUL IN REPEATING ALL OF THE ACTIONS THEN SHE LOSES THE REST
OF HER TURNS. THE WINNER IS THE JUMPER WHO IS LEFT AFTER EVERYONE
ELSE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: CA00001968
MY FATHER OWNS A GROCERY STORE
TO BEGIN THIS GAME THE FIRST PERSON, OR THE LEADER, SAYS, "MY FATHER
OWNS A GROCERY STORE AND HE SELLS A". THE LEADER MAY USE ANY LETTER
IN THE ALAPHABET (A IS SIMPLY USED HERE AS AN EXAMPLE). THIS LETTER
IS USED TO INDICATE SOME TYPE OF FOOD WHOSE NAME BEGINS WITH THIS
LETTER. FOR EXAMPLE, A MAY STAND FOR APPLES, APRICOTS, ASPARAGUS,
ALMONDS, ETC. THE REMAINING PEOPLE THEN TRY TO GUESS THE FOOD THAT
THE LEADER HAS IN MIND. IF SOMEONE IS SUCCESSFUL IN GUESSING THE
FOOD, THEN THAT PERSON BECOMES THE LEADER AND EVERYONE ELSE MUST
GUESS. OFTEN, IF THE FOOD HASN'T BEEN GUESSED AFTER SEVERAL TRIES,
THE LEADER MAY GIVE CLUES TO THE FOOD HE HAS IN MIND. FOR EXAMPLE,
HE MAY SAY IF IT IS A FRUIT, VEGETABLE, MEAT, ETC. THE GAME
CONTINUES UNTIL THE PLAYERS TIRE OF IT.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME IS PLAYED BY THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY WHEN THEY ARE
DRIVING IN A CAR FOR LONG DISTANCES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Guessing |
Date learned: CA00001970
FROZEN TAG IN THE WATER
THIS GAME IS PLAYED ON THE SAME GENERAL BASIS AS FROZEN TAG EXCEPT
THAT IT IS PLAYED IN A SWIMMING POOL. THE PLAYERS INCLUDE ONE PERSO
WHO IS "IT" AND THE REST TRY TO SWIM AWAY FROM "IT" WITHOUT BEING
TAGGED. IF SOMEONE IS TAGGED HE MUST STAND (OR IN DEEP WATER HE MUS
TREAD WATER) UNTIL ANOTHER PLAYER IS ABLE TO SWIM BETWEEN HIS LEGS
UNDER WATER. THAT TAGGED PLAYER IS THEN SET FREE UNTIL HE IS TAGGED
AGAIN. AFTER A PERSON HAS BEEN TAGGED THREE TIMES BY "IT", HE
BECOMES THE NEW "IT".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT AND HER FRIENDS ORIGINALLY INVENTED AND PLAYED THIS
GAME AT PINEBROOK SWIM CLUB IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. IT IS STILL A
POPULAR GAME AT THE SWIM CLUB.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Water Ice Snow |
SHAM BATTLE
A SHAM BATTLE INVOLVES TWO PEOPLE WHO ARE FACING EACH OTHER AND ARE
STANDING ABOUT TWO FEET APART. WHEN THE CUE IS GIVEN THEY BEGIN TO
PRETEND THEY ARE BOXING WITH ONE ANOTHER. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS
TO NEVER TOUCH THE OTHER PLAYER WHILE THE PRETEND BOXING IS TAKING
PLACE. IF A PLAYER DOES TOUCH HIS PARTNER HE LOSES THE BATTLE.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS IN FIFTH GRADE
AT ST. MICHAEL'S SCHOOL IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. HER TEACHER, SISTE
CONRADIA, HAD HER STUDENTS STAND UP AND PLAY IT FOR A FEW MINUTES
DURING THEIR MATH CLASS IN ORDER TO RID THEM OF SOME OF THEIR EXCESS
ENERGY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE CLASS WAS QUITE NOISY ON A GIVEN DAY
SISTER CONRADIA WOULD SAY THAT IT WAS TIME FOR A SHAM BATTLE AND
EVERYONE WOULD STAND UP, FACE THEIR PARTNER AND BEGIN TO PLAY UNTIL
THEY WERE TOLD TO SIT DOWN AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
TAG WITH BUCKETS OF WATER
THIS GAME IS PLAYED JUST LIKE TAG EXCEPT THE "IT" THROWS A BUCKET OF
WATER ON THE PLAYERS INSTEAD OF TAGGING THEM IN ORDER TO CATCH THEM.
ONCE A PLAYER IS SPLASHED WITH WATER, HE BECOMES "IT" AND IS GIVEN
THE BUCKET TO FILL WITH WATER SO THAT HE CAN THROW IT ON SOMEONE
ELSE.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS INVENTED AND PLAYED BY THE INFORMANT AND HER FRIENDS O
HOT SUMMER DAYS. IT WAS MORE FUN TO PLAY WHILE WEARING CLOTHES, BUT
A BATHING SUIT WAS OFTEN WORN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Water Ice Snow |
Date learned: CA00001969
HIDE THE THIMBLE
THIS GAME WAS PLAYED WITH ONE "HIDER" AND AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF
"FINDERS". THE HIDER WOULD TAKE A THIMBLE AND HIDE IT ANYWHERE IN
A DESIGNATED ROOM. THE THIMBLE HAD TO BE AT LEAST PARTIALLY VISIBLE
IN ITS HIDING SPOT. WHILE THE HIDER HID THE THIMBLE, THE FINDERS
HAD TO STAY IN ANOTHER ROOM SO THAT THEY COULDN'T WATCH THE HIDER.
AFTER THE THIMBLE WAS HIDDEN, THE FINDERS WERE CALLED INTO THE ROOM
SO THAT THEY COULD LOOK FOR THE THIMBLE. SOMETIMES THE HIDER WOULD
TELL A FINDER IF HE WAS HOT OR COLD; HOT MEANT THAT HE WAS IN THE
NEAR VICINITY OF THE THIMBLE AND COLD MEANT HE WAS NOT NEAR IT.
AFTER THE THIMBLE WAS FOUND, IT WAS HIDDEN AGAIN BY WHOEVER FOUND IT
AND THE GAME CONTINUED THE SAME WAY.
Submitter comment:
IF A THIMBLE WASN'T AVAILABLE, THE INFORMANT USED ANY SMALL OBJECT
THAT COULD BE EASILY HIDDEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: CA00001967
REMEDY
TO TEMPORARILY RELIEVE A COUGH, A TEASPOON OF WHISKEY, FOLLOWED BY A
TEASPOON OF HONEY WAS SWALLOWED BY THE PERSON WITH THE COUGH.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT'S GREAT, GREAT GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
REMEDY
TO TEMPORARILY RELAX VERY WAVY OR KINKY HAIR, ESPECIALLY HAIR THAT
HAS BEEN OVER-PERMED, A PERSON SHOULD COMB PEANUT BUTTER THROUGH HIS
OR HER HAIR.
Submitter comment:
NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE PERSON'S HAIR SHOULD BE WASHED BEFORE THEY
PRESENT THEMSELF TO THE PUBLIC} ALSO, CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER IS EASIE
TO WORK WITH THAN CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER}
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: CA00001977
REMEDY
TO REMOVE A SPLINTER, A PIECE OF RAW BACON SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE
AREA WHICH IS THEN COVERED UP WITH A TOWEL. THE TOWEL SHOULD BE
SECURED IN SOME WAY AND THEN ALLOWED TO REMAIN ON THE PERSON
OVERNIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Animal |
Date learned: 11-12-1979
REMEDY
IN ORDER TO REMOVE A SPLINTER, A TOWEL FILLED WITH MOIST BREAD CRUMB
IS APPLIED TO THE AFFECTED AREA, SECURED, AND ALLOWED TO REMAIN ON
OVERNIGHT. TO PREPARE THE PACK, A FEW PIECES OF BREAD ARE BROKEN UP
PUT IN A BOWL, AND BOILING WATER IS POURED OVER THEM. THE MOIST
BREAD CRUMBS ARE THEN PICKED UP AND PUT INTO A TOWEL. THE TOWEL IS
ROLLED UP, PLACED ON THE AFFECTED AREA, AND SECURED.
Submitter comment:
THIS CURE WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER WHO LEARNED IT FROM
A NEIGHBOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: CA00001972
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY DECORATE THEIR
CHRISTMAS TREE. THE PROCESS BEGINS ABOUT MID-AFTERNOON WHEN THE TRE
IS BROUGHT IN FROM THE GARAGE AND PUT IN THE HOUSE IN ITS STAND. IT
IS THEN DECORATED WHILE CHRISTMAS MUSIC IS PLAYED. AFTER THE TREE
IS COMPLETELY FINISHED, THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY EAT A QUICK
DINNER AND THEN SPEND THE REST OF THE NIGHT SITTING AROUND THE TREE
AND TALKING.
Submitter comment:
THE TREE IS NEVER DECORATED ANYTIME BEFORE THE AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMA
EVE. THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN CARRIED ON BY THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER
SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL. IF ANY LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
OR BAKING HAS TO BE DONE ON THIS DAY, IT IS ALWAYS DONE BEFORE THE
TREE IS DECORATED. THE EVENING IS RESERVED FOR ENJOYING THE TREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: CA00001963
SWIMMING CHEER
YEA PINEBROOK,
YEA PINEBROOK,
SWIM, SWAM, SWUM.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A POPULAR SWIMMING CHEER THAT IS YELLED OUT AT THE END OF A
SWIM MEET BY ONE TEAM AND IS DIRECTED TO THE OPPOSING TEAM. THE NAM
"PINEBROOK" IS THE NAME OF THE INFORMANT'S SWIM TEAM AND IS USED HER
SIMPLY AS AN EXAMPLE. WHEN THE CHEER IS GIVEN, THE TEAM THAT SHOUTS
IT OUT USES THE OPPOSING TEAM'S NAME IN PLACE OF "PINEBROOK" IN THIS
EXAMPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): GRAMMAR ; PRINCIPAL PARTS OF IRREGULAR VERB
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival Custom Festival SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: CA00001971
EVERY TIME A TEAM WINS A SWIM MEET, IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR THE MEMBERS
OF THE TEAM TO PUSH THE COACH AND OTHER TEAM MEMBERS INTO THE
SWIMMING POOL. USUALLY, THE PEOPLE ARE HALF OR FULLY DRESSED WHEN
THEY GET PUSHED IN. FOR EXAMPLE, A SWIMMER MAY BE WEARING A WARM-UP
JACKET OR A TEE-SHIRT AND SHORTS. IN MOST CASES, THE FINAL SCORE IS
ANNOUNCED AND A CHEER IS GIVEN BEFORE THE PUSHING BEGINS.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM IS NOT ONLY PRACTICED IN MICHIGAN. THE INFORMANT HAS
SEEN IT DONE IN CALIFORNIA, OHIO, AND CONNECTICUT ALSO. IT IS MOST
PROBABLY PRACTICED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
HOKEY DOKEY
DAISY TELLS THE STORY OF HOW ONE WOMAN PUT A SPELL ON ANOTHER
WOMAN'S DAUGHTER BECAUSE EACH WOMAN WANTED HER DAUGHTER TO MARRY
ONE PARTICULAR FELLOW. ONE WOMAN PUT A PACKAGE IN THE MAILBOX FOR
THE OTHER'S DAUGHTER. IN THIS PACKAGE WAS SOMETHING IN THE FORM OF
A MAN. WHEN THE GIRL OPENED THE PACKAGE, THERE WAS A SPELL CAST ON
HER. THE LITTLE MAN STARTED TALKING TO HER. HE SAID HE CAME IN AND
OUT OF THE KEY HOLE, AND HIS NAME WAS HOKEY DOKEY.
HE WOULD COME IN THROUGH THE KEY HOLE WHISTLING LIKE A MAN. IF
PEOPLE ASKED WHERE HE WAS, HE SAID, IN THE BEDSPRINGS AND ON THE
CEILING. PEOPLE FROM FAR AWAY WOULD COME AND WHEN THE HOUSE GOT
FULL OF PEOPLE, HE WOULD SAY HE WASN'T GOING TO GO UNLESS HE WANTED.
HE STAYED WITH THE GIRL UNTIL SHE FINALLY LOST HER MIND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Keyword(s): MAGIC
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Abnormal in size PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 07-23-1964
IF WELL APPLIED MAKES THE DULL HORSES FEEL ONE SPUR IN THE HEAD IS
WORTH TWO IN THE HEEL.
Submitter comment: NONE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Keyword(s): RIME
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C-88 C-88.200 |
Date learned: 10-07-1968
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