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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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LEGEND OF HOW DIXIE GOT ITS NAME
IN THE OLD, OLD SOUTH, THE FRENCH AT ONE TIME PRINTED AND DIS-
TRIBUTED MONEY THAT WAS REFERRED TO AS "DIX," WHICH WAS THE FRENCH
VERSION OF A TEN DOLLAR BILL. TO THE NORTHERNERS, THE SOUTH
BECAME FAMOUS FOR THIS MONEY. THUS, THE SOUTH BECAME KNOWN AS THE
LAND OF THE DIX, OR DIXIE LAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
A POLISH TALE
THERE IS POLISH TALE THAT TELLS ABOUT A PEASANT WHO WALKS ALL
THE WAY FROM POSNAN TO KOZIMIERZ, POLAND, WHERE THE KING
(KAZIMIERZ THE GREAT, 1300'S) RESIDED. THE PEASANT WANTS TO
COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LORD OF HIS MANOR WHO HAD KIDNAPPED HIS
WIFE RIGHT FROM THE WEDDING PROCESSION ON THE ROAD. HE HADN'T
SEEN HER SINCE THE KIDNAPPING.
WHEN THE PEASANT REACHES KOZIMIERZ, HE STOPS AT THE MARKET PLACE
WELL TO REST. AMONG THE MERCHANTS IN THE CROWD IS THE KING, WHO
STOPS AND QUESTIONS THE PEASANT. HE THEN EXPLAINS HIS COMPLAINT
AND PURPOSE. THE KING TAKES HIM TO THE CHURCH FOR THE NIGHT
WHERE THE PRIEST HAS THE PEASANT DRAW HIS COMPLAINT ON PAPER, AS
ALL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE ATTENDED TO THE NEXT DAY BY THE KING AND
VISITING LORDS. THE PEASANT DRAWS THE ROAD AND THE MANOR AROUND
IT.
AT THE POINT WHERE THE WIFE WAS TAKEN, THE PRIEST DREW A SKULL.
MEANWHILE, THE KING WAS RETURNING TO HIS CASTLE DOWN THE ROAD.
ON THIS SAME ROAD WAS ARRIVING THE LORD OF THE MANOR IN POZNAN
TO VISIT THE KING. HE APPROACHED WITH MUCH MUSIC AND FESTIVITY
IN ORDER TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION. ON THE ROAD NEAR THE CASTLE
THE LORD NOTICED IN THE DARK A FORM MOVING ALONG. THINKING IT
WAS SOME PEASANT IN THE WAY, HE CALLS THE PEDESTRIAN A BUM AND
WANTS TO HIT HIM. JUST THEN, THE FORM, WHO WAS REALLY THE KING,
ORDERS THE LORD TO STOP AND IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
THE NEXT DAY THE COMPLAINTS WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE KING AND
LORDS AND THE COMPLAINT OF THE PEASANT CAME UP. THE KING EX-
PLAINED THE PICTURE BY SAYING THAT A LORD HAD KILLED THE WIFE OF
A PEASANT ON THE ROAD, INDICATED BY THE SKULL. EVERYONE WAS
SHOCKED BY THE ACTION. THE KING ASKED EACH LORD WHAT PUNISHMENT
SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CRIME, AND WHEN HE CAME TO (THE)
GUILTY LORD, HE SAID THE PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE STARVATION. THE
KING THEN ANNOUNCED THAT THE LORD HAD COMMITTED (IT) HIMSELF, AND
THUS THE LORD WAS THROWN INTO THE DUNGEON BENEATH THE CASTLE TOWER
WITH ONLY SOME BREAD AND WATER, WHERE HE SOON DIED.
Submitter comment: MY GRANDFATHER REMEMBERS THIS TALE FROM HIS CHILDHOOD DAYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-22-1967
THE LEGEND OF THE LESZEKS AND POPIELS
AFTER THE DEATH OF WANDA, THE LEGENDARY HEROINE AND RULER OF
CRACOW, THERE RULED A GROUP OF TWELVE PALATINES. THEY FEARED
THAT SOME ENEMY WAS APPROACHING FROM RUMORS THAT WERE GOING AROUND
IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. THE ENEMY WAS SCARED OFF BY THE FORESIGHT
AND INGENUITY OF A YOUNG GOLDSMITH, LESZEK.
ON THE BUSHES AND TREES HE HUNG UP THE SHIELDS, SHINY ONES, AND
HELMETS OF THE ARMY. WHEN THE ENEMY SAW THE MULTITUDE OF THESE
SHIELDS AND HELMETS FROM FAR OFF, THEY QUICKLY LEFT, AFRAID OF
THE "LARGE ARMY" THAT AWAITED THEM. ABOUT 760 A.D. LESZEK BEGAN
HIS REIGN. HE IS ALSO KNOWN AS PRZEMYSTAIN, "AN INGENIOUS
PERSON."
WHEN LESZEK DIED, HE LEFT NO SON. THE KINGDOM, THEREFORE, HELD
A HORSE RACE TO SEE WHO WOULD BE THE NEXT RULER. THERE WERE
FIFTEEN OR SO BRAVE VOLUNTEERS. ONE SCHEMING PARTICIPANT COVERED
THE ROAD OF THE RACE WITH NAILS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE. HE
DREW HIMSELF A PATH IN THE SAND SO THAT HE COULD FOLLOW WITHOUT
HURTING HIS OWN HORSE. ANOTHER PARTICIPANT DISCOVERED THE TRICK
AND PUT IRON HORSE SHOES ON HIS OWN HORSE. HE WON THE RACE AND
BECAME LESZEK II.
AFTER SEVERAL RULERS CAME POPIEL I WHO TRANSFERRED THE CAPITOL
OF POLAND FROM CRACOW TO GNIEZNO, FROM WHICH THE KINGDOM ORIGINA-
TED. HE THEN TRANSFERRED, IT IS SAID, TO THE CITY OF KRUSZWICZ
NEAR THE LAKE OF GOPLO. IT WAS HIS SON, POPIEL II, WHO WAS A
VERY GLUTTONOUS AND WEAK CHARACTER. IT IS SAID THAT HE WAS BALD
AND HAD A THICK BEARD CALLED "CHWOSTEK." HE HAD A GERMAN WIFE
WHO WAS SAID TO BE WICKED AND CRUEL, AND WHO TEMPTED HER HUSBAND
OFTEN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SITUATIONS AND DO WRONG.
IT WAS A CUSTOM AMONG THE SLAVS TO NAME THEIR SONS AFTER THEIR
SEVENTH BIRTHDAY. HIS HAIR WAS THEN CUT FOR THE FIRST TIME
AND A BIG FEAST WAS HELD WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. POPIEL II
HELD SUCH A FEAST FOR HIS SON. MANY PEOPLE WERE INVITED.
AT THIS SAME TIME, TWO PILGRIMS CAME TO HIS CASTLE ASKING FOR
REFUGE, BUT POPIEL AND HIS WIFE ANGRILY CHASED THEM OUT. IN THE
EYES OF THE POLISH AND THE SLAVS IN GENERAL, SUCH BREAKING OF THE
LAWS OF HOSPITALITY WAS A SERIOUS CRIME. POPIEL SOON PAID FOR
IT.
IT IS SAID THAT THE TWO PILGRIMS WERE REALLY TWO ANGELS. OTHERS
SAY THEY WERE THE SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS ON A MISSION. BUT
THIS INCIDENT DID NOT CHANGE POPIEL. HE CONTINUED IN HIS DRUNKEN
REVELRIES AND CRIMES ONLY TO ESCAPE THE PANGS OF HIS GUILTY CON-
SCIENCE.
FINALLY, WITH COUNSEL OF HIS WIFE, HE HELD A FEAST FOR ALL HIS
RELATIVES IN ORDER TO "MAKE UP" FOR THE TIMES HE DID THEM WRONG.
HE REALLY BELIEVED THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE THE CAUSE OF HIS GUILTY
FEELINGS. AT THIS FEAST, HE POISONED EVERYONE.
IMMEDIATELY HIS PUNISHMENT FOLLOWED. FROM THE BODIES OF THE DEAD
CAME OUT HUNDREDS OF MICE. THESE MICE CHASED POPIEL AND HIS WIFE.
THEY TRIED TO HIDE IN A TOWER, BUT DID NOT SUCCEED AND WERE EATEN
UP BY THE MICE AS WELL AS WERE HIS PEOPLE. THIS TOWER, CALLED
"MICE TOWER" OR "THE TOWER OF POPIEL," STANDS IN THE CITY OF
KRUSZIVICA, POLAND.
Submitter comment:
THESE LEGENDS I'VE KNOWN SINCE CHILDHOOD DAYS FROM MY PARENTS AS
WELL AS FROM MY LESSONS IN POLISH HISTORY I TOOK FROM MRS. HELEN
CHMIELEWSKI OF DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
A LEGEND OF POLAND'S BEGINNING
IN THE MOUNTAINS OF CHARWOYA THERE ARE TWO PROMINENT HEIGHTS,
KRAPINA AND PSARY, WITH RUINS OF CASTLES ON THEM. IT IS SAID
THAT THERE LIVED THREE BROTHERS, PAGAN SLAVIC PRINCES--LECH,
CZECH, AND RUS--SONS OF THE NOBLEMAN PANANOW. THEIR SISTER
WYLINDA, WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH AN ENEMY LEADER, CAUSED WAR UPON
THE SLAVIC ARMY AND A GREAT DEFEAT. THEY GAVE THEIR SISTER THE
DEATH PENALTY AND THEN LEFT THEIR HOME FOR GOOD.
THIS (WAS) ABOUT THE YEAR 550 A.D. WHEN THE BROTHERS CROSSED THE
DUNAJ RIVER AND WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS. LECH WENT WITH HIS
LEAGUE OF MEN TO THE RIVER WARTA, NEAR THE LAKE GOPTO, WHERE A
SLAVIC GROUP CALLED POLAMIE LIVED. WHEN HE ARRIVED AT SUNSET,
HE SAW A NEST IN THE TREES FROM WHERE A WHITE EAGLE HAD JUST
FLOWN OUT. AT THAT PLACE HE DECIDED TO SETTLE, NAMING THE
PLACE GNIEGNO (MEANING "NEST") AND FOUNDING THE KINGDOM NAMED
POLAKOMI (MEANING "AFTER LECH"). THE KINGDOM THEN TOOK AS THEIR
COAT OF ARMS THE HWITE EAGLE WITH OPEN WINGS FOR FLIGHT IN THE
FIELD OF RED.
IT IS ALSO TOLD THAT, AFTER MANY YEARS, THE BROTHERS OF LECH,
CZECH (FROM WHOM CAME THE CZECHS) AND RUS (THE FOUNDER OF THE
RUSSIAN PEOPLE) MET AGAIN AT THIS SAME PLACE. HERE THERE WAS A
CITY BUILT SOON AFTER IN HONOR OF THIS MEETING CALLED POZNAN.
IN POLISH IT MEANS "A MEETING." THIS CITY EXISTS TO THIS DAY,
POZNAN OR POSEN, POLAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
A POLISH LEGEND
THERE IS A POLISH TALE ABOUT THE BELLS ON THE STEEPLE OF A REBUILT
CHURCH IN HEL ON THE BALTIC SEA. THERE LIVED, SO THEY SAY, A GIRL
WHO WAS TOTALLY DEAF, SO ALL SHE COULD DO WAS TO GUARD THE GOATS
IN THE PASTURE. BUT STRANGELY SHE WAS ABLE TO HEAR THOSE BELLS AS
IF THEY CALLED OUT HER NAME, JOANNA. ONE DAY SEVEN BELLS WERE
GONE AND THE GIRL WAS THE FIRST TO NOTICE THE SILENCE. PEOPLE WERE
DISMAYED AND DOWNHEARTED AND THEY BEGAN TO FEAR THAT THEY DID NOT
LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD'S COMMANDMENT, SO THE BELLS LEFT THEM.
ONE DAY THE GIRL WAS WALKING THROUGH THE FOREST AND SHE SEEMED TO
HEAR SOME RINGING.
SEARCHING IN THE GRASS, TO HER GREAT JOY, (SHE FOUND) ALL THE
BELLS. SHE DECIDED TO TAKE THEM BACK BUT THEY WERE HEAVY; SHE
ALMOST CRIED. SUDDENLY SHE HEARD THE BIG BELL SAY, "BIM, BAM,
BUM, TAKE ME FIRST, I AM THE FATHER AND THE OTHERS WILL FOLLOW."
SHE PICKED HIM UP AND FOUND HE WAS LIGHT. SHE MANAGED TO HANG
THEM UP IN THE CHURCH STEEPLE AND WHEN THE PEOPLE CAME TO MASS,
MINDING NOW TO BE ON TIME, SHE PULLED THE ROPE AND THE BELLS
STARTED TO RING. THEY RING TO THIS DAY, REMINDING THE PEOPLE,
MOSTLY FISHERMEN, TO LEAD AN HONEST LIFE SO THE BELLS WOULD NEVER
GO AWAY AND HIDE.
Submitter comment: THIS LEGEND MY GRANDMOTHER KNEW FROM HER CHILDHOOD DAYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Holy placeChurchTemple BELIEF -- Church |
Date learned: 10-28-1967
NOT GIVEN
A FRIEND OF MINE FROM LENNON, MICHIGAN, CLAIMS THAT THE TOWN IS
SO SMALL THAT BOTH CITY LIMIT SIGNS ARE ON THE SAME POST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; LENNON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
INDIAN CHIEF TREASURE
IT IS REPORTED THAT "TWO COPPER KETTLES FULL OF MONEY" WERE BURIED
BY A CHIPPEWA CHIEF IN THE NORTHERN PART OF BENZIE COUNTY NEAR THE
MOUTH OF THE PLATTE RIVER IN MICHIGAN. LATER THE INDIAN CHIEF
DROWNED WHEN HIS CANOE CAPSIZED IN GREEN BAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
MILWAUKEE TREASURE
ACCORDING TO A STORY A POTAWATOMI CACHE OF $35,000 WAS BURIED
IN A DEEP PIT ALONG THE BANK OF THE MILWAUKEE RIVER ON THE
PRESENT SITE OF THE CITY OF THE SAME NAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
HOUSE OF DAVID TREASURE
IN BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN, IN THE HOUSE OF DAVID (KING BEN
PURNELL'S RELIGIOUS SECT), IT IS BELIEVED THAT A SUM OF TEN
MILLION DOLLARS IS HIDDEN BEHIND A PANEL WITH A SECRET SPRING.
PURNELL IS REPORTED TO HAVE COLLECTED MANY MILLIONS THROUGH
HIS ENTERPRISE AND THE MONEY HAS BEEN CHECKED AND TRACED, BUT
TEN MILLION DOLLARS ARE UNACCOUNTED FOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: 03-00-1968
PAYROLL TREASURE
VARIOUS TALES TELL ABOUT A "POT OF GOLD" BURIED ON DRUMMOND
ISLAND, MICHIGAN, BY A BRITISH COMMISSARY OFFICER TO INSURE ITS
SAFETY. HOWEVER, DURING HIS STAY ON THE ISLAND, HE HAD SO MUCH
TO WORRY ABOUT THAT HE BECAME MENTALLY DERANGED AND AS A RESULT
WAS UNABLE TO RECALL THE LOCATION OF HIS HIDDEN TREASURE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
CAVES OF THE BLOODY CHIEFS
THE PICTURED ROCKS EXTEND EASTWARD ALONG THE LAKE SUPERIOR SHORE-
LINE FROM MUNISING. SOME OF THE VARIOUS FORMATIONS IN THE ROCKS
ARE NAMED. THE CAVES OF THE BLOODY CHIEFS ARE SO NAMED BECAUSE
INDIAN CHIEFS SUPPOSEDLY TORTURED THEIR VICTIMS THERE. THEY
WOULD BE BOUND AND LEFT FOR THE WAVES TO DASH THEM TO PIECES. THE
ROCK OF THE CAVES IS BRIGHTLY COLORED BY MINERAL SEEPAGE, MOSTLY
IRON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 07-00-1966
HERMIT ISLAND TREASURE
ON HERMIT ISLAND, ONE OF THE APOSTLE GROUP IN LAKE SUPERIOR, A
SHORT DISTANCE OUT OF BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN, IS BURIED A BRITISH
PAYROLL. IT WAS BURIED TO KEEP IT FROM HOSTILE INDIANS, WHO
RAIDED THE OUTPOST AND MASSACRED ALMOST ALL OF THE TROOPS
STATIONED THERE. TWO MEN SURVIVING TOLD OF THE BURIAL OF THE
MONEY BUT DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE OFFICERS BURIED IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THE BELLS OF GLEN LEE
THE INFORMANT WENT TO LONDON WITH THE LAIRD'S FAMILY WHILE HER
FAMILY STAYED BEHIND AT GLEN LEE, THE COUNTRY ESTATE, AS CARE-
TAKERS. THEY SLEPT IN THE SERVANTS' QUARTERS ABOVE THE KITCHEN
WHERE THE BELLS WERE TO CALL THE SERVANTS. THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE
IN THE HOUSE, BUT SEVERAL TIMES THEY HEARD THE BELLS RING. THE
INFORMANT'S FATHER ATTEMPTED TO DISCOVER A CAUSE, BUT WAS UNABLE
TO DO SO. THIS WAS ABOUT 1917. GLEN LEE IS IN NEW GALLOWI,
KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE IN SCOTLAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; NEW GALLOWAY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 03-00-1968
UNFAITHFUL ARMY HUSBAND
IN NORTH CAROLINA WHERE I WAS STATIONED IN THE ARMY,
THERE WAS A FRIEND OF MINE WHO TOLD ME HE HAD A
FRIEND WHO WAS A LITTLE UNFAITHFUL TO HIS WIFE WHILE
HE WAS ON SEA DUTY. WELL, SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS LITTLE
ADVENTURES, AND WHEN HE CAME HOME FROM LEAVE, THEY WENT
TO BED AND HE FELL ASLEEP BEFORE SHE DID. SHE THEN CUT
HIS SEX ORGAN OFF WITH A PAIR OF SCISSORS AND HE DIED.
Submitter comment: PENIS OF UNFAITHFUL HUSBAND CUT OFF BY WIFE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): ADULTERY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
(CLIMAX OF HORRORS)
THEN THERE WAS THE STORY ABOUT THE SOUTHERNER WHO
FINALLY RETURNED TO HIS PLANTATION AFTER DESERTING
HIS WIFE YEARS AGO. HE RAN INTO HIS HEAD SERVANT,
AN OLD NEGRO, AT THE GATE TO THE HOUSE AND ASKED IF
ANYTHING HAD CHANGED SINCE HE HAD LEFT. "NO SIR,"
THE SERVANT REPLIED, "EVERYTHING JUST ABOUT THE SAME."
"OH, SIR, YOUR DOG DIED FROM EATIN' THE BAD HORSE
MEAT."
MASTER: WHERE DID HE GET THE BAD HORSE MEAT?
SERVANT: IT CAME FROM THE DEAD HORSES IN THE BARN THAT
BURNT.
MASTER: HOW DID THE BARN BURN?
SERVANT: IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FLAMES FROM THE HOUSE.
MASTER: HOW DID THE HORSE CATCH ON FIRE?
SERVANT: IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FLAMES FROM THE CANDLES
THAT LIT THE CURTAINS.
MASTER: WHAT WERE THE CANDLES FOR?
SERVANT: THEY WAS FOR YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL.
MASTER: HOW DID MY GRANDMOTHER DIE?
SERVANT: SHE DIED OF A HEART ATTACK WHEN YOUR WIFE
RAN OFF WITH MY SON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
A MAN HAS A SON WITH NO LEGS, ARMS OR TRUNKS ONLY A
HEAD. HE AND HIS SON (THE HEAD) GO TO BAR TO CELEBRATE
THE SON'S 21ST BIRTHDAY. THE FATHER ORDERS TWO BEERS
AND THEY BOTH DRINK UP. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SON
SPROUTS LEGS, ARMS AND A TRUNK. TO CELEBRATE THIS
MIRACLE, FATHER AND SON DRINK ANOTHER BEER. THEN
THE SON SHRIVELS UP AND DISAPPEARS. THE MORAL OF THE
STORY IS "BE HAPPY WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): PUN AHEAD=A HEAD
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 03-06-1971
SWEDISH LITTLE PEOPLE TALE.
MY GRANDFATHER TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I WAS A SMALL
CHILD, AND ALSO WHEN HE WAS SOMEWHAT UNDER THE WEATHER--
THE SWEDES DO LIKE TO DRINK--ABOUT ONE TIME WHEN HE WAS
YOUNG AND HE WAS COMING HOME LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT
HE HAD TO CROSS THIS CAVERN. THERE WAS A LOG ACROSS
THIS DITCH. WELL, JUST AS HE GOT UP TO THIS LOG, HE
LOOKED DOWN AND, WOOOOOOO, HE SAW A LITTLE MAN. HE
NEVER SAW ONE BEFORE AND HE DIDN'T BELIEVE IN THEM
BEFORE THAT TIME. WELL, HE RAN BACK AND GOT HIS DAD,
MY GREAT GRAND DAD, AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK TO THE
VERY SAME SPOT, BUT NO LITTLE MAN! BUT THERE WAS
SMALL FOOTPRINTS, AND THEY FOLLOWED THEM FOR A WAYS
BUT THEY DISAPPEARED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
SUPERSTITION
ON A SPECIFIC STREET IN DETROIT {MICHIGAN} IT IS
BELIEVED THAT A LITTLE GIRL WAS ONCE HIT BY A CAR
COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL, AND NOW HER SPIRIT REMAINS
THERE AND KNOCKS ON CARS AFTER DARKNESS, WHEN THEY
PASS OVER THIS STREET.
Submitter comment: HEARD MANY TIMES FROM FRIENDS FOR ENTERTAINMENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1960
IN A SMALL TOWN IN NEW YORK STATE, A YOUNG ENGINEER
WAS TRYING TO PURCHASE AN OLD TWIN ENGINE AIRPLANE.
THE OWNER TOLD HIM THAT THE PLANE HAD BEEN BURNT
DOWN TO THE SKELETON OF THE PLANE YEARS BEFORE.
THE PLANE BURNT QUICK BECAUSE IT WAS A FABRIC-
COVERED PLANE. THE ENGINEER STARTED THE PLANE UP WITH
THE HELP OF THE OWNER AND THEN HE SAT ALONE IN THE
COCKPIT READING THE GAUGES. SUDDENLY, A MAN WITH AN
OLD BROWN FLIGHT JACKET AND LEATHER HELMET TAPPED
HIM ON THE SHOULDER AND SAID, "GET OUT QUICK, PLANE'S
ON FIRE!" THE ENGINEER JUMPED OUT AND RAN FROM THE
PLANE. WHEN HE TURNED AROUND NOTHING WAS LEFT BUT THE
SMOLDERING SKELETON.
WHEN THE OWNER ASKED HIM WHAT HAPPENED, WHEN HE
RETURNED, THE ENGINEER TOLD THE WHOLE STORY AND
DESCRIBED THE MAN WHO WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. THE
OWNER REPLIED, "THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY BROTHER." THE
ENGINEER THEN ASKED WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM. THE OWNER
THEN SAID, "HE DIED WHEN THE PLANE BURNT THE FIRST
TIME YEARS BEFORE!"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; NEW YORK, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): REPEATED TRAGEDY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THE LEGEND OF THE TRUMPETER OF CRACOW
IN OLD POLAND THERE IS A LEGEND CONCERNING A CHURCH TOWER
AND ITS TRUMPETER, WHO WAS PLEDGED TO SOUND THE ANGELUS
TO THE PEOPLE OF CRACOW WITH A BEAUTIFUL MELODY.
ONCE, WHEN THE PEOPLE WERE DEFENDING THEIR CITY AND CHURCH
AGAINST THE HEATHEN TARTARS, THEY WERE ON THE VERGE OF
GIVING IN TO THE ONSLAUGHT OF GENGHIS KHAN. WEAK AND
WOUNDED, THEY WERE READY TO GIVE THEMSELVES OVER TO THE
MERCILESS ENEMY, WHEN A FAMILIAR SOUND ROSE ABOVE THE
FIGHTING AND GAVE THEM NEW STRENGTH AND COURAGE. IT WAS
THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET FROM THE TOWER OF THE CHURCH
OF PANNA MARJA, THE CHURCH OF "LADY MARY," PLAYING
THE ANGELUS. THE TRUMPETER NEVER FINISHED HIS SONG,
SINCE A TARTAR ARROW KILLED HIM. CRACOW WAS SAVED, HOWEVER,
BY HIS INSPIRATION.
EVER AFTER, THE TRUMPETERS OF PANNA MARJA HAVE LEFT
THE MELODY UNFINISHED IN MEMORY OF THE TRUMPETER OF
CRACOW, WHO DIED RATHER THAN TO LET THE WHIM OF A HEATHEN
KEEP HIM FROM FULFILLING HIS VOWS TO MARY.
THE MELODY IS PLAYED, DAILY, TO THIS DAY FROM THE CHURCH
TOWER. THERE, IN CRACOW, I HEARD IT MYSELF, AS WELL AS
THE LEGEND, WHICH I KNEW FROM CHILDHOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): KRAKOW
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Secular hero |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN