Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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AFTER HAVING BREAD OR ANY FOOD BLESSED BY A PRIEST
YOU MUST FIRST MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH A
KNIFE ON THE UNDERSIDE BEFORE EATING OR CUTTING
THE FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 10-06-1969
IT IS BAD LUCK IF YOU DON'T HOLD A WHITE BUTTON
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A CEMETERY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Conversions Leaving Entering Returning home Travel |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
EASTER EGG FIGHTS
A CUSTOM THE ARMENIANS HAVE AND AS FAR AS I KNOW ARE THE ONLY ONES
THAT DO IS THE EASTER EGG FIGHTS. WE BOIL AND COLOR OUR EGGS JUST
LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, BUT WE ALSO SEE WHO HAS THE STRONGEST EGG BY
HITTING THE POINTED ENDS OF THE EGGS TOGETHER. THE ONE WHOSE EGG
BREAKS IS THE LOSER. I AM ALSO TOLD THAT WHEN I WAS YOUNG OLDER
MEN LIKE MY GRANDFATHER WOULD MEET ON EASTER AND WAGER DOZENS AND
CASES OF EGGS ON A SINGLE MATCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE ; CAMPUS
Keyword(s): GAME
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
HICCUPS
TO CURE THE HICCUPS, BREATHE TWENTY TIMES INTO A BROWN PAPER BAG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; GRADE SCHOOL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Number P686.1.20 BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 03-13-1965
POLLY'S LOVER
IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THIS CENTURY A WITHERED WOMAN OF
NINETY WAS BURIED FROM A NOW DESERTED HOUSE IN WHITE
PLAINS, NEW YORK, POLLY CARTER THE NAME OF HER, BUT
"CRAZY POLLY" WAS WHAT THE NEIGHBORS CALLED HER, FOR
SHE WAS ECCENTRIC AND NOT FOND OF COMPANY. AMONG
THE BELONGINGS OF HER HOUSE WAS A TALL CLOCK, SUCH AS
RELIC HUNTERS PRIZE, THAT TICKED SOLEMNLY IN A LANDING
ON THE STAIRS. FOR A TIME, DURING THE REVOLUTION, THE
HOUSE STOOD WITHIN THE BRITISH LINES, AND AS HER FATHER
WAS A COLONEL IN WASHINGTON'S ARMY, SHE WAS LEFT ALMOST
ALONE IN IT. THE BRITISH OFFICERS RESPECTED HER SEX,
BUT THEY HAD AN UNPLEASANT WAY OF RUNNING IN UNANNOUNCED
AND DEMANDING ENTERTAINMENT, IN THE KING'S NAME, WHICH
SHE FELT FORCED TO GRANT. ONE RAINY AFTERNOON THE DOOR
WAS FLUNG OPEN, THEN LOCKED ON THE INSIDE, AND SHE FOUND
HERSELF IN THE ARMS OF A STALWART, HANDSOME LIEUTENANT,
WHO WORE THE BLUE. IT WAS HER COUSIN AND FIANCE.
THEIR GLAD TALK HAD NOT BEEN GOING LONG WHEN THERE CAME
A ROUSING SUMMONS AT THE DOOR. THREE ENGLISH OFFICERS
WERE WAITING ADMITTANCE.
PERHAPS THEY HAD SEEN LAWRENCE CARTER GO INTO THE HOUSE,
AND IF CAUGHT HE WOULD BE KILLED AS A SPY. HE MUST BE
HIDDEN, BUT IN SOME PLACE WHERE THEY WOULD NOT THINK OF
LOOKING. THE CLOCK! THAT WAS THE PLACE. WITH A LAUGH
AND A KISS THE YOUNG MAN SUBMITTED TO BE SHUT IN THIS
NARROW QUARTER, AND THROWING HIS COAT AND HAT BEHIND SOME
FURNITURE, THE GIRL ADMITTED THE OFFICERS, WHO WERE WET
AND MAD AND DEMANDED DINNER. THEY TRAMPED ABOUT THE
BEST ROOM IN THEIR MUDDY BOOTS, TALKING LOUDLY, AND IN
ORDER TO BREAK THE EFFECT OF THE CHILL WEATHER, THEY
PASSED THE BRANDY BOTTLE FREELY. POLLY SERVED THEM WITH
A DINNER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOR SHE WANTED TO GET THEM
OUT OF THE HOUSE, BUT THEY WERE IN NO MOOD TO GO, AND THE
BOTTLE PASSED SO OFTEN THAT BEFORE THE DINNER WAS OVER
THEY WERE NOISY AND TIPSY AND WERE USING LANGUAGE THAT
DROVE POLLY FROM THE ROOM.
AT LAST, TO HER RELIEF, SHE HEARD THEM PREPARING TO LEAVE
THE HOUSE, BUT AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO GO, THE SENIOR
OFFICER, LOOKING UP AT THE LANDING, NOW DIM IN THE PALING
LIGHT, SAID TO ONE OF THE OTHERS, "SEE WHAT TIME IT IS."
THE OFFICER ADDRESSED, WHO HAPPENED TO BE THE DRUNKEST
OF THE PARTY, STAGGERED UP THE STAIR AND EXCLAIMED, "THE
DAMNED THING'S STOPPED." THEN, AS IF HE THOUGHT IT A
GOOD JOKE, HE ADDED, "IT'LL NEVER GO AGAIN." DRAWING
HIS SABRE, HE GAVE THE CLOCK A CARELESS CUT AND RAN
THE BLADE THROUGH THE PANEL OF THE DOOR; AFTER THIS THE
THREE PASSED OUT. WHEN THEIR VOICES HAD DIED IN DISTANT
BRAWLING, POLLY RAN TO RELEASE HER LOVER. SOMETHING
THICK AND DARK WAS CREEPING FROM BENEATH THE CLOCK-CASE.
WITH TREMBLING FINGERS SHE PULLED OPEN THE DOOR, AND
LAWRENCE, HER LOVER, FELL HEAVILY FORWARD INTO HER ARMS,
DEAD. THE OFFICER WAS RIGHT; THE CLOCK NEVER WENT AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
YUNK-YUNK HEARD THIS AS AN OLD INDIAN LEGEND. REFER TO
INFORMANTS LIST FOR MORE DETAILS CONCERNING HIM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
POLLY'S LOVER
IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THIS CENTURY A WITHERED WOMAN OF
NINETY WAS BURIED FROM A NOW DESERTED HOUSE IN WHITE
PLAINS, NEW YORK, POLLY CARTER THE NAME OF HER, BUT
"CRAZY POLLY" WAS WHAT THE NEIGHBORS CALLED HER, FOR
SHE WAS ECCENTRIC AND NOT FOND OF COMPANY. AMONG
THE BELONGINGS OF HER HOUSE WAS A TALL CLOCK, SUCH AS
RELIC HUNTERS PRIZE, THAT TICKED SOLEMNLY IN A LANDING
ON THE STAIRS. FOR A TIME, DURING THE REVOLUTION, THE
HOUSE STOOD WITHIN THE BRITISH LINES, AND AS HER FATHER
WAS A COLONEL IN WASHINGTON'S ARMY, SHE WAS LEFT ALMOST
ALONE IN IT. THE BRITISH OFFICERS RESPECTED HER SEX,
BUT THEY HAD AN UNPLEASANT WAY OF RUNNING IN UNANNOUNCED
AND DEMANDING ENTERTAINMENT, IN THE KING'S NAME, WHICH
SHE FELT FORCED TO GRANT. ONE RAINY AFTERNOON THE DOOR
WAS FLUNG OPEN, THEN LOCKED ON THE INSIDE, AND SHE FOUND
HERSELF IN THE ARMS OF A STALWART, HANDSOME LIEUTENANT,
WHO WORE THE BLUE. IT WAS HER COUSIN AND FIANCE.
THEIR GLAD TALK HAD NOT BEEN GOING LONG WHEN THERE CAME
A ROUSING SUMMONS AT THE DOOR. THREE ENGLISH OFFICERS
WERE WAITING ADMITTANCE.
PERHAPS THEY HAD SEEN LAWRENCE CARTER GO INTO THE HOUSE,
AND IF CAUGHT HE WOULD BE KILLED AS A SPY. HE MUST BE
HIDDEN, BUT IN SOME PLACE WHERE THEY WOULD NOT THINK OF
LOOKING. THE CLOCK! THAT WAS THE PLACE. WITH A LAUGH
AND A KISS THE YOUNG MAN SUBMITTED TO BE SHUT IN THIS
NARROW QUARTER, AND THROWING HIS COAT AND HAT BEHIND SOME
FURNITURE, THE GIRL ADMITTED THE OFFICERS, WHO WERE WET
AND MAD AND DEMANDED DINNER. THEY TRAMPED ABOUT THE
BEST ROOM IN THEIR MUDDY BOOTS, TALKING LOUDLY, AND IN
ORDER TO BREAK THE EFFECT OF THE CHILL WEATHER, THEY
PASSED THE BRANDY BOTTLE FREELY. POLLY SERVED THEM WITH
A DINNER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOR SHE WANTED TO GET THEM
OUT OF THE HOUSE, BUT THEY WERE IN NO MOOD TO GO, AND THE
BOTTLE PASSED SO OFTEN THAT BEFORE THE DINNER WAS OVER
THEY WERE NOISY AND TIPSY AND WERE USING LANGUAGE THAT
DROVE POLLY FROM THE ROOM.
AT LAST, TO HER RELIEF, SHE HEARD THEM PREPARING TO LEAVE
THE HOUSE, BUT AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO GO, THE SENIOR
OFFICER, LOOKING UP AT THE LANDING, NOW DIM IN THE PALING
LIGHT, SAID TO ONE OF THE OTHERS, "SEE WHAT TIME IT IS."
THE OFFICER ADDRESSED, WHO HAPPENED TO BE THE DRUNKEST
OF THE PARTY, STAGGERED UP THE STAIR AND EXCLAIMED, "THE
DAMNED THING'S STOPPED." THEN, AS IF HE THOUGHT IT A
GOOD JOKE, HE ADDED, "IT'LL NEVER GO AGAIN." DRAWING
HIS SABRE, HE GAVE THE CLOCK A CARELESS CUT AND RAN
THE BLADE THROUGH THE PANEL OF THE DOOR; AFTER THIS THE
THREE PASSED OUT. WHEN THEIR VOICES HAD DIED IN DISTANT
BRAWLING, POLLY RAN TO RELEASE HER LOVER. SOMETHING
THICK AND DARK WAS CREEPING FROM BENEATH THE CLOCK-CASE.
WITH TREMBLING FINGERS SHE PULLED OPEN THE DOOR, AND
LAWRENCE, HER LOVER, FELL HEAVILY FORWARD INTO HER ARMS,
DEAD. THE OFFICER WAS RIGHT; THE CLOCK NEVER WENT AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
YUNK-YUNK HEARD THIS AS AN OLD INDIAN LEGEND. REFER TO
INFORMANTS LIST FOR MORE DETAILS CONCERNING HIM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
" THE ANIMAL FAIR "
I WENT TO THE ANIMAL FAIR,
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES WERE THERE.
THE OLD BABOON, BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON,
WAS COMBING HIS AUBURN HAIR.
THE MONKEY, HE GOT DRUNK.
HE SAT ON THE ELEPHANT'S TRUNK.
THE ELEPHANT SNEEZED AND FELL ON HIS KNEES,
AND THAT WAS THE END OF THE MONK, THE MONK,
THE MONK, THE MONK.
( REPEAT )
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN CHILDHOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
ROCKING CHAIRS AND SHIPS
WHEN THE INFORMANT LIVED IN GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, A VERY
IMPORTANT FISHING TOWN, HIS GRANDMOTHER TOLD HIM NEVER TO ROCK
AN EMPTY ROCKING CHAIR. WHEN HE DID OR WHEN IT ROCKED BY ITSELF
OR IN THE WIND, THEN THEY BELIEVED THAT THE SHIPS IN THE SEA WERE
ALSO BEING ROCKED BY THE WAVES, ESPECIALLY THOSE SHIPS ON WHICH
MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY WERE SAILING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 03-15-1967
Proverb
Whistling women and crowing hens are bound to come to some bad end.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Crow ; FATE ; Hen ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; RHYME ; VERSE ; Whistle ; WOMEN
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb |
IT IS BAD LUCK IF YOU DON'T LIFT YOUR LEGS WHEN
DRIVING BY A CEMETERY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Conversions Leaving Entering Returning home Travel |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
IT IS BAD LUCK IF YOU DON'T LIFT YOUR LEGS WHEN
DRIVING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
James Callow Keyword(s): TRAVELING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails BELIEF -- Conversions Leaving Entering Returning home Travel |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SUPERSTITION
IT WAS CUSTOMARY FOR A CHILD TO PUT HIS BABY
TOOTH UNDER HIS PILLOW. THE FAIRY GODMOTHER
USUALLY LEFT MONEY IN EXCHANGE FOR THE TOOTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
FOR EASTER BREAKFAST, THE FATHER TAKES A THIN WAFER WITH A FANCY
DESIGN ON IT. HE BREAKS IT IN HALF, THEN HE TAKES A PIECE. HE
PASSES IT ON TO THE OTHERS AND THEY ALL TAKE A PIECE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER GRANDMOTHER WHO IS POLISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CARPOOL ; EAST SIDE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Proverb
Out of the mouths of babes.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; BABY ; Maxim ; Mouth ; PROVERB ; VERSE ; WISDOM
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Proverb
Never laugh on Friday; you'll cry on Saturday.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Cry ; Friday ; Laugh ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; Saturday ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
BELIEF
MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT IF A BIRD FLIES INTO THE HOUSE,
THERE WILL BE A DEATH IN THE FAMILY.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 02-15-1970
Proverb
He who laughs last, laughs best.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Laugh ; Laughter ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Proverb
One picture is worth a thousand words.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Maxim ; Picture ; PROVERB ; SPEECH ; VERSE ; WORDS
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Proverb
Waste not, want not.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Frugal ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; VERSE ; Waste
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
BELIEF
WHEN SOME PEOPLE HEAR A DOG HOWLING IN THE NIGHT, THEY
BELIEVE BAD NEWS WILL SOON FOLLOW.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 02-01-1970