Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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ON EASTER DAY ALMOST EVERYONE PUTS ON THEIR BEST
CLOTHES AND EITHER INVITES PEOPLE TO THEIR HOUSE
OR GO TO THEIR FRIENDS OR RELATIVES HOUSE TO SEE
OR BE SEEN AND EXCHANGE LOVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 10-01-1969
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, FAMILIES OF POLISH ORIGIN TRAVEL TO
THE HOMES OF THEIR MOTHERS AND SHARE IN A MEAL OF WINE
AND UNLEAVENED BREAD. THIS SHOULD BRING HEALTH AND
HAPPINESS INTO THEIR LIVES. IT ALSO SHOWS THEIR LOVE FOR
THEIR MOTHERS.
Submitter comment:
MY SISTER, ANNE, COLLECTED THIS FROM A FRIEND, MARJORIE
COSMAN, WHO IS OF POLISH ANCESTRY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 11-00-1963
NEVER LET ANYONE BUT A DARK HAIRED MAN CROSS YOUR PORTALS
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's |
Date learned: 01-20-1970
IT IS AN OLD IRISH CUSTOM TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR OF YOUR
HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN ORDER TO LET THE OLD YEAR OUT
AND THE NEW YEAR IN.
Submitter comment:
I COLLECTED THIS FROM MY AUNT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE OF
1960-1961.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 12-00-1960
PUTTING MONEY OUTSIDE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE WILL BRING THAT
PERSON PROSPERITY IN THE YEAR TO COME.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION WAS COLLECTED FROM MY PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER,
WHO CLAIMED THAT IT WAS AN OLD IRISH SUPERSTITION.
THE CUSTOM HAS BEEN PRACTICED IN OUR FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 12-00-1955
FRENCH CUSTOM
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE MANY FAMILIES OF FRENCH EXTRACTION EAT
THIRTEEN GRAPES--TWO FOR THE MONTH OF THEIR BIRTHDAY AND
ONE FOR EVERY OTHER MONTH OF THE YEAR. THIS IS TO MAKE
THEM SWEET.
Submitter comment:
MRS. GORNO IS OF FRENCH-CANADIAN BACKGROUND. THIS CUSTOM
IS TRADITIONAL IN HER FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
Date learned: 01-00-1960
HONORABLE COW SOCIETY
THE "NEW MEMBER" IS LED INTO THE ROOM, BLINDFOLDED, WHERE ALL
THE OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN INITIATED ARE WAITING. THE PERSON
IS TOLD TO IMAGINE A COW AND THEN TOLD TO POINT TO THE
VARIOUS PARTS OF ITS BODY WHEN TOLD, WITH THE INDEX FINGER.
FIRST THE PERSON IS TOLD TO POINT TO THE HEAD, BACK, LEGS,
ETC. FINALLY THE PERSON IS TOLD TO POINT TO THE TAIL AND
WHEN HE DOES, HE STICKS HIS FINGER INTO PEANUT BUTTER.
Submitter comment:
THIS INITIATION INTO THIS FICTITIOUS ORGANIZATION WAS DONE
ON A CAMPING TRIP WITH A NOW DISBANDED GIRL SCOUT TROOP
FROM ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN IN 1963.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1963
AT THE RECEPTION OF A POLISH WEDDING, THE BRIDE
CHANGES VEILS WITH HER MAID-OF-HONOR. THIS
SYMBOLIZES THAT THE BRIDE WILL NO LONGER REMAIN
A VIRGIN.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED OF THIS CUSTOM AT THE WEDDING OF A
FRIEND, LARRAINE TLALKA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Removing veil |
THE POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM OF THE WEDDING GUEST STANDING
IN A CIRCLE FORMATION AROUND THE BRIDE AND GROOM, WHO
ARE DANCING IN THE CENTER, AND SINGING "I LOVE YOU
TRULY" AND "LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART," WHILE THE
BAND PLAYS IS NOW A PART OF MANY WEDDINGS REGARDLESS OF
NATIONALITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Circle singing |
Date learned: 09-19-1969
THERE IS A BLESSING OF THE FLEETS AT THE WYANDOTTE,
(MICHIGAN) YACHT CLUB EVERY YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-22-1969
THERE IS A MALL HELD AT THE LOCAL CHURCHES IN
WYANDOTTE (MICHIGAN), AT THE TIME OF THE BLESSING
OF THE FLEETS, FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE
DROWNED DURING THE PAST YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-22-1969
AFTER A FUNERAL, ONE OF THE CLOSE FRIENDS OF THE PERSON
WHO LOST A LOVED ONE GIVES A DINNER AT HIS OR HER
HOUSE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO THE FUNERAL,
PERHAPS A LONG WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-22-1969
RIDDLE
WHAT IS BLACK AND WHITE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP AND
TWO NUTS INSIDE?
ANSWER: A POLICE CAR
Data entry tech comment: A POLICE CAR IS NORMALLY BLACK AND WHITE WITH ; A RED LIGHT ON
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 11-12-1968
SUPERSTITION
IF YOU LEAVE HOME AND DISCOVER THAT YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING,
YOU MUST SIT STILL A MOMENT BEFORE RETURNING FOR IT, OR YOU WILL
HAVE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THIS OLD SUPERSTITION WAS TOLD TO ME BY MY AUNT WHEN SHE VISITED
HERE FROM JAMESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, IN OCTOBER OF 1963.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
Keyword(s): CONVERSION ; TRAVEL: RETURNING HOME FOR FORGOTTEN OBJECT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Conversions P883.2 |
Date learned: 10-00-1963
UNSAID MASSES
NOTE: THERE IS A BELIEF THAT A PRIEST WHO DIES WITHOUT HAVING SAID
ALL THE MASSES HE HAS PROMISED TO HAVE SAID CANNOT ENTER HEAVEN UNTIL
THIS HAS BEEN DONE. MANY STORIES HAVE ARISEN CONCERNING SUCH
OCCASIONS. ONE WAS TOLD BY SISTER MARY VINCENT I.H.M.
SEVERAL YEARS AGO AN OLD MONK DIED WITHOUT HAVING CELEBRATED ONE
OF HIS PROMISED MASSES. HE HAD ALSO NEGLECTED TO RECORD
THIS MASS AS UNSAID, SO HIS SUCCESSOR DID NOT REALIZE
THE FACT. EACH AFTERNOON, AS THE NEW PRIEST ENTERED THE CHURCH
TO SAY HIS OFFICE, HE WOULD HEAR A VOICE ASK, "WON'T
SOMEONE SAY A MASS FOR ME?" THE NEW PRIEST FINALLY REALIZED THAT
THIS WAS THE VOICE OF THE DEAD MONK, AND HE CELEBRATED A
MASS FOR HIS INTENTION. HE NEVER HEARD THE VOICE AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY WAS TOLD AT ST. PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL TO A CLASS OF
SENIORS WHICH INCLUDED MY SISTER ANNS (ANN? ANNE? ANNA?).
Data entry tech comment: THERE ARE TWO MORE STORIES ALIKE RECORDED ON THE 5X8 CARDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1963
EXORCISM
NOTE: EXORCISM, A COMPLICATED RITE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH INVOLVING
THE CASTING OUT OF DEVILS FROM POSSESSED PERSONS PROVIDES A NATURAL
BIRTHPLACE FOR MANY STRANGE STORIES, ONE WAS TOLD BY MRS. JAMES KEHOE
A GREAT GREAT AUNT OF MINE FROM CLINTON MICHIGAN, I HEARD IT FROM
MOTHER, MRS JAMES KEHOE WAS ONCE PRESENT AT AN EXORCISM IN CLINTON,.
AT THE POINT IN THE GRAVE CEREMONY WHEN THE DEVIL WAS FINALLY CAST
OUT A SMALL CREATURE RESEMBLING A WOODCHUCK WAS SEEN BY THOSE PRESENT
TO RUN ACROSS THE ROOM AND OUT THE DOOR. ALL AGREED THAT IT HAD NOT
BEEN IN THE ROOM BEFORE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal |
Date learned: 10-00-1963
CHARLIE SACHS OF WYANDOTTE BECAME A LEGENDARY CHARACTER IN THE
1920'S AND 1930'S. HE HAD BRIGHT YELLOW HAIR WHICH FELL BELOW HIS
EARS IN A BUSTER BROWN STYLE HAIRCUT. IT WAS KNOWN AS "SODY ASH"
HAIR AFTER THE COLOR OF SODA ASH MANUFACTURED BY THE WYANDOTTE
CHEMICALS COMPANY. CHARLIE GAINED HIS FAME BY WALKING AROUND
DOWNTOWN DETROIT IN FLAMBOYANT OUTFITS OF THE GAY NINETIES.
HE WOULD STROLL EACH DAY IN HIGH_BUTTON SHOES, CHECKED PANTS,
A BRIGHT VEST, A STRIPED BLAZER, AND A STRAW HAT ATTACHED BY
A RIBBON TO HIS LAPEL. WHEN SHIPS WERE DUE IN CHARLIE WOULD WANDER
AROUND THE
WATERFRONT IN AN 1890'S ADMIRAL'S UNIFORM. THE STRANGE OLD MAN
WOULD TALK TO NO ONE, AND HE DIED WITHOUT EVER REVEALING WHERE HE
GOT HIS MONEY OR HIS FANTASTIC COSTUMES.
Submitter comment: LEGEND ABOUT A MENTAL DEFECTIVE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
Keyword(s): CLOTHES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 01-00-1964
IF YOU FIND A PENNY AND PICK IT UP
ALL DAY LONG YOU'LL HAVE GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief |
Date learned: 10-20-1969
RHYME
IN FOURTEEN-NINETY-TWO
COLUMBUS SAILED THE OCEAN BLUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief C860.433 |
IF YOU HEAR A DOG HOWLING AT NIGHT, IT MEANS A DEATH
WILL SOON OCCUR IN YOUR FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER WAS THE INFORMANT FOR THIS SUPERSTITION.
SHE BELIEVES IT MAY BE SCOTTISH, BUT DOES NOT RECALL
WHERE SHE FIRST HEARD IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-00-1964