Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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BUILDING CUSTOM
WHENEVER YOU BUILD A HOUSE NAIL AN EVERGREEN TREE TO THE RAFTERS
WHEN YOU ARE PUTTING THE ROOF ON. THIS GIVES LONG LIFE AND HAPPINESS
TO ALL WHO LIVE THERE.
Submitter comment:
JOFRAN LEARNED THIS GERMAN CUSTOM FROM HER FATHER. THEY HAVE
PRACTICED IT IN THE PAST AND IT IS ONE OF HER FAVORITES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Date learned: CA00001968
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
YOU SHOULD NEVER EAT CHICKEN ON NEW YEAR'S BECAUSE THE CHICKEN
SCRATCHES DIRT BACKWARDS WHEN IT WALKS. ON NEW YEAR'S YOU SHOULD
BE LOOKING FORWARD NOT BACKWARD.
Submitter comment:
JOFRAN LEARNED THIS FROM HER FATHER.
HOMEOPATHIC
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's BELIEF -- Bird |
Date learned: CA00001968
PLANTING CUSTOM
NEVER PLANT WINTER WHEAT UNTIL AFTER THE 'NO FLY' DATE. THIS IS A
DAY IN THE FALL, USUALLY LATE OCTOBER OR THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER
WHEN THE FLIES WON'T EAT THE CROP.
Submitter comment:
WHEN THE SCHNEIDERS WERE UNAWARE OF THIS CUSTOM THEIR CROP OF WINTER
WHEAT WAS KILLED THREE YEARS IN A ROW. THEN JOFRAN'S FATHER HEARD
OF THE CUSTOM FROM AN OLD MAN. THEY FOLLOW IT AND HAVE HAD LARGE
YIELDS EVER SINCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: CA00001972
PLANTING CUSTOM
NEVER PLANT TILL AFTER THE THREE ICE SAINTS' FEAST DAYS. THEN YOU
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FROST RUINING YOUR CROPS.
Submitter comment:
JOFRAN, WHO GREW UP ON A FARM, PROBABLY LEARNED THIS OLD GERMAN
CUSTOM FROM HER FATHER. SHE IS FAIRLY SURE THAT TWO OF THE ICE
SAINTS ARE SAINT ANICETUS (APRIL 17) AND SAINT FIDELIS (APRIL 24).
SAINT CANISIUS (APRIL 27) MIGHT BE THE OTHER ONE BUT SHE'S NOT SURE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 17 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 24 BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: CA00001972
PLANTING CUSTOM
SQUASH CAN BE PLANTED TO HAVE DURING THE SUMMER AS LONG AS THE
BLACKBERRIES ARE STILL IN BLOSSOM.
Submitter comment:
JOFRAN CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE SHE LEARNED THIS BUT FOLLOWS IT AND SAYS
IT WORKS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: CA00001972
TALE
OUT IN VERMILLION, OHIO THERE USED TO BE AN OLD REFORMATORY SCHOOL
AND ONE NIGHT IT BURNED DOWN. THEY SAY IF YOU GO OUT AT MIDNIGHT
YOU CAN HEAR THE SCREAMS OF THE CHILDREN BURNING AND SEE THEIR
GHOSTS.
Submitter comment:
JOFRAN HEARD THIS FROM SOME PEOPLE SHE WORKED WITH. SHE DOESN'T
BELIEVE IT BUT PEOPLE SAY IT IS TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1977
TALE
WE HAVE THIS ROAD CALLED BURNS ROAD AND THE DEVIL LIVES ON BURNS
ROAD. IT WAS A FAVORITE FOR PEOPLE TO GO PARKING UNTIL ONE NIGHT
THIS COUPLE PARKED THERE. THEIR CAR RAN OUT OF GAS OR THAY HAD
TROUBLE AND THE BOY SAID HE WOULD GO GET HELP AND SAID, "YOU STAY
HERE AND LOCK THE DOORS." THE BOY WAS GONE A LONG TIME AND THE GIRL
BEGAN TO HEAR ALL THIS RUSTLING AND STUFF BEHIND HER. SHE DIDN'T
LOOK BACK BUT STAYED IN THE CAR AND FELL ASLEEP. SHE HEARD SOME
SCRATCHING BEHIND HER AND JUST FREAKED OUT OR SOMETHING. THE POLICE
WOKE HER UP AND TOLD HER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND NOT TO LOOK BEHIND
HER. BUT SHE DID AND SAW THE BODY OF HER BOYFRIEND. HE WAS TRYING
TO CLAW AT THE CAR AND HIS WHOLE BODY WAS MANGLED. SO PEOPLE SAY THE
DEVIL LIVES ON BURNS ROAD. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HEARD STRANGE NOISES
AND HAVE SEEN HIS GHOST UP THERE IN THE EVENINGS.
Submitter comment:
BURNS ROAD IS IN OR NEAR AVON, OHIO. JOFRAN HEARD THIS STORY AS
A CHILD FROM HER SISTERS OR HER FRIENDS. SHE BELIEVED IT AT FIRST
BUT CONSIDERS IT A STORY NOW. THE ROAD ITSELF IS SPOOKY AND GIVES
ONE AN EERIE FEELING ACCORDING TO JOFRAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: CA00001968
SCHOOL TRADITION
CENTRAL INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR HIGH HAS AN ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE FOR A
CHILDREN'S HOME. DURING THE DRIVE, ONE TEACHER WILL OPEN THE
CLASSROOM DOOR AND THE ENTIRE CLASS WILL CHANT THE FOLLOWING WORDS
UNTIL ANOTHER CLASS ANSWERS BACK WITH THE SAME CHANT:
BABY'S IN THE HIGHCHAIR
WHO PUT HER THERE?
MA, PA, SIS-BOOM-BAH
GOODIES, GOODIES RAH, RAH, RAH}
Submitter comment:
RHYME: AABB
CENTRAL INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR HIGH IS IN MIDLAND, MICHIGAN. THE
STUDENTS CHANTED THESE WORDS IN THIS MANNER EVERY YEAR DURING THE
FOOD DRIVE. JULIE DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THIS TRADITION BEGAN BUT THOUGHT
IT HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME. IT IS STILL PRACTICED TODAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.537 |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
ORDINARY FOLKTALE
A YOUNG GIRL DESPERATELY WANTED TO GO TO A PARTY BUT SHE DIDN'T HAVE
A DATE. SHE THEN EXCLAIMED THAT SHE WOULD GO TO THE PARTY
WITH ANYBODY,
EVEN THE DEVIL HIMSELF. THEN A FRIEND ASKED HER TO THE PARTY
AND SHE HAD A MARVELOUS TIME. AS SHE WAS SAYING GOODBYE SHE GLANCED
DOWN AND SAW HOOVES INSTEAD OF FEET AND SHE REALIZED THAT SHE TRULY
WAS OUT WITH THE DEVIL.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S MOTHER TOLD HER THIS TO WARN HER NOT TO CALL UPON
SATANIC PO/WERS. KEYPUNCHED IN NOV.,1972-ALSO ON CARD IN 5X8 FILES
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 09-18-1972
HAVE YOUR MIND IN GEAR BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR MOUTH IN MOTION
Data entry tech comment: THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU SPEAK
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
Keyword(s): AUTOMOTIVE METAPHOR
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 10-18-1967
INFORMANT WORKS WITH MY FATHER AT FORD MOTOR CO.,DEARBORN,
MICHIGAN AND TOLD THESE HUNGARIAN SALUTATIONS AS FOLLOWS:
(BOLDOG) KARA' CSONY- HAPPY CHRISTMAS
HUSVET (KELLEMES)- PLEASANT EASTER
UJ-EV (BOLDOG)- HAPPY NEW YEAR
ISTEN ELTESSEN OR ELTESSE- GOD BE WITH YOU.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; FORD MOTOR CO
Keyword(s): SALUTATIONS
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 12-01-1971
INFORMANT WORKS WITH MY FATHER AT FORD MOTOR CO., DEARBORN
MICHIGAN AND HE TOLD THESE ITALIAN SALUTATIONS AS FOLLOWS:
"DIO TI BENEDICI"-MAY GOD BLESS ALL YOUR YEARS-BIRTHDAY
"BUON NATALE"-MERRY CHRISTMAS
"BUON CAPO D'ANNO- HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; FORD MOTOR CO
Keyword(s): SALUTATIONS
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-30-1971
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE GUY WHO STOLE 25 CARBURETORS?
HE WALKED OUT WITH ONE A DAY UNDER HIS COAT UNTIL
HE WAS FINALY CAUGHT BY A GUARD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; FORD MOTOR CO ; ENGINE PLANT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 05-10-1968
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE GUY WHO STOLE 25 CARBURETORS?
HE WALKED OUT WITH ONE A DAY UNDER HIS COAT UNTIL
HE WAS FINALY CAUGHT BY A GUARD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; FORD MOTOR CO ; ENGINE PLANT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
THE AMISH PEOPLE
THE AMISH PAINT THEIR FENCES AND DOORS BLUE WHEN THEY
HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO HAS ATTAINED THE AGE FOR MARRIAGE.
THE MEN DO NOT SHAVE AFTER THEY ARE MARRIED; THEY
GROW BEARDS.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM MY MOTHER, WHO WORKS WITH
THE INFORMANT. WHERE THE INFORMANT OBTAINED THE
INFORMATION IS NOT CERTAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM ; FORD MOTOR CO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 04-02-1965
POLISH CUSTOM -- SHROVE TUESDAY
ON THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, IT IS A CUSTOM IN MISS GALL'S
FAMILY (POLISH) TO MAKE A LARGE BATCH OF DONUTS AND TO EAT
THEM ALL BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY. THIS DAY IS CALLED PONCHKI DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RATHSKELLER
Keyword(s): DOUGHNUT ; PACZKI ; RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Season CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Palm Sunday |
Date learned: 02-27-1968
IRISH BLESSING
MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU
MAY THE WIND BLOW AT YOUR BACK
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARMLY ON YOUR FACE
MAY THE RAIN FALL SOFTLY ON YOUR FIELDS
AND TILL WE MEET AGAIN
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
MAY GOD HOLD YOU
IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.
AMEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CHELSEA
James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Speech Speech |
Entry filtered.
Proverb
...as slow as molasses in January.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Dup of WPP
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; TRAVERSE CITY
Keyword(s): Cold ; January ; Molasses ; Month ; SIMILE ; Slow ; SPEED ; TIME
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison |
Belief: Animal
Horse-Taming:
"Hints for the farrier. To tame a wild horse, haltre him and then take the warts from the leg and dry them and pulverize them. Blow the dry powder up the horse's nose. Then take oil of radium and drop a few drops in your hand, rub it over his nose. This will make him follow you and the animal will do anything you wish. I paid Perry Plancher $20 for the secret."
Submitter comment:
Informant given the information by an elderly life-long Northern Michigan resident who saved it from a newspaper of her father's, published in January of 1871.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
A Farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care.
James Callow comment:
Original BN [P760] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TRAVERSE CITY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal |