Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CRYING ON ONE'S WEDDING DAY
IF A PERSON CRYS ON THEIR WEDDING DAY THEN THEY WILL CRY AT LEAST
A LITTLE EVERY DAY OF THEIR MARRIED LIFE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Legend |
Date learned: 01-24-1967
DEATHS IN THREE
MR. LEHR'S FAMILY BELIEVES THAT WHEN ONE PERSON DIES IN A FAMILY
THEN THERE WILL BE TWO MORE DEATHS WITHIN SHORT SUCCESSION, IN
THE SAME RELATION. DEATH ALWAYS TRAVELS IN THREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Legend |
OMEN
IF YOU SEE A BULL FROG, IT'S A WITCH BRINGING A CURSE. YOU SHOULD
PUT THE FROG ON A BOARD (FULCRUM) AND HIT IT INTO THE AIR, SENDING
THE CURSE AWAY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT GOT THIS FROM HER MOTHER WHEN INFORMANT WAS A CHILD.
SHE SAID SHE NEVERR DID THE ACTION DESCRIBED BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO
AFRAID OF THE FROG TO PICK IT UP. SHE JUST RAN AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
FARM HOUSE LEGEND
ONE NIGHT WHEN WE WERE UP NORTH WE DECIDED TO GO DRINKING, SO WE
STOPPED AT THIS OPEN CLEARING IN THE WOODS. THERE WAS A FARM
HOUSE ACROSS THE FIELD; WE COULD SEE THE LIGHT. IT WAS A LARGE
FLOOD LIGHT. WELL, AFTER A WHILE WE LOOKED AND THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED. AT LEAST, WE THOUGHT IT DID. BUT IT COULDN'T HAVE, SO
WE DIDN'T MAKE ANYTHING OF IT. BUT LATER ON, THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED AGAIN. WE SAT THERE AND WATCHED IT CIRCLE US UNTIL IT
WENT BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED FROM AND STOPPED. WE FIGURED WE'D
HAD ENOUGH TO DRINK AND GOT THE HELL OUT OF THERE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
CAR KNOCKING LEGEND
IF YOU DRIVE DOWN HOOVER ROAD ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, SOMEWHERE
NEAR STATE FAIR, YOU WILL HEAR TWO KNOCKS ON YOUR CAR. A GIRL
WAS KILLED BY A CAR THERE, AND SHE HAUNTS THE INTERSECTION.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LAUGHED AND DIDN'T APPEAR TO BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
OMEN
IF YOU SEE A BULL FROG, IT'S A WITCH BRINGING A CURSE. YOU SHOULD
PUT THE FROG ON A BOARD (FULCRUM) AND HIT IT INTO THE AIR, SENDING
THE CURSE AWAY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT GOT THIS FROM HER MOTHER WHEN INFORMANT WAS A CHILD.
SHE SAID SHE NEVERR DID THE ACTION DESCRIBED BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO
AFRAID OF THE FROG TO PICK IT UP. SHE JUST RAN AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
FARM HOUSE LEGEND
ONE NIGHT WHEN WE WERE UP NORTH WE DECIDED TO GO DRINKING, SO WE
STOPPED AT THIS OPEN CLEARING IN THE WOODS. THERE WAS A FARM
HOUSE ACROSS THE FIELD; WE COULD SEE THE LIGHT. IT WAS A LARGE
FLOOD LIGHT. WELL, AFTER A WHILE WE LOOKED AND THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED. AT LEAST, WE THOUGHT IT DID. BUT IT COULDN'T HAVE, SO
WE DIDN'T MAKE ANYTHING OF IT. BUT LATER ON, THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED AGAIN. WE SAT THERE AND WATCHED IT CIRCLE US UNTIL IT
WENT BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED FROM AND STOPPED. WE FIGURED WE'D
HAD ENOUGH TO DRINK AND GOT THE HELL OUT OF THERE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
CAR KNOCKING LEGEND
IF YOU DRIVE DOWN HOOVER ROAD ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, SOMEWHERE
NEAR STATE FAIR, YOU WILL HEAR TWO KNOCKS ON YOUR CAR. A GIRL
WAS KILLED BY A CAR THERE, AND SHE HAUNTS THE INTERSECTION.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LAUGHED AND DIDN'T APPEAR TO BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
OMEN
IF YOU SEE A BULL FROG, IT'S A WITCH BRINGING A CURSE. YOU SHOULD
PUT THE FROG ON A BOARD (FULCRUM) AND HIT IT INTO THE AIR, SENDING
THE CURSE AWAY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT GOT THIS FROM HER MOTHER WHEN INFORMANT WAS A CHILD.
SHE SAID SHE NEVERR DID THE ACTION DESCRIBED BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO
AFRAID OF THE FROG TO PICK IT UP. SHE JUST RAN AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
FARM HOUSE LEGEND
ONE NIGHT WHEN WE WERE UP NORTH WE DECIDED TO GO DRINKING, SO WE
STOPPED AT THIS OPEN CLEARING IN THE WOODS. THERE WAS A FARM
HOUSE ACROSS THE FIELD; WE COULD SEE THE LIGHT. IT WAS A LARGE
FLOOD LIGHT. WELL, AFTER A WHILE WE LOOKED AND THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED. AT LEAST, WE THOUGHT IT DID. BUT IT COULDN'T HAVE, SO
WE DIDN'T MAKE ANYTHING OF IT. BUT LATER ON, THAT LIGHT HAD
MOVED AGAIN. WE SAT THERE AND WATCHED IT CIRCLE US UNTIL IT
WENT BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED FROM AND STOPPED. WE FIGURED WE'D
HAD ENOUGH TO DRINK AND GOT THE HELL OUT OF THERE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
CAR KNOCKING LEGEND
IF YOU DRIVE DOWN HOOVER ROAD ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, SOMEWHERE
NEAR STATE FAIR, YOU WILL HEAR TWO KNOCKS ON YOUR CAR. A GIRL
WAS KILLED BY A CAR THERE, AND SHE HAUNTS THE INTERSECTION.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LAUGHED AND DIDN'T APPEAR TO BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
ITALIAN JOKE
AN ITALIAN PUT AN ADVERTISEMENT IN THE PAPERS THAT HE HAD DISCOVERED
A METHOD OF WRITING WITHOUT PEN AND INK, AND THAT HE WOULD GIVE THE
SECRET FOR A SMALL FEE. IN A FEW DAYS HE WAS FLOODED WITH REQUESTS
FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, TO WHICH HE REPLIED: "WRITE WITH PENCIL."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
James Callow Keyword(s): TRICKSTER, ITALIAN
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote ITAL |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
ITALIAN JOKE
AN ITALIAN FRIEND OF MINE SAW A SIGN ON A GROCER'S WINDOW WHICH READ,
"FAMILIES SUPPLIED," SO HE WENT IN AND ASKED FOR A WIFE AND TWO KIDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote ITAL |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
ITALIAN JOKE
AN ITALIAN WAS ARRESTED FOR STEALING FIFTY POUNDS OF BEEF, AND
EXCUSED HIMSELF ON THE GROUNDS THAT HE WOULDN'T HAVE TAKEN SO MUCH
IF HE HAD A KNIFE TO CUT IT WITH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote ITAL |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
WEDDING BELIEF
THE BRIDE MUST NOT SEE THE GROOM BEFORE THE WEDDING ON THE
WEDDING DAY OR SHE WILL HAVE BAD LUCK IN HER MARRIAGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bride and groom must not see each other |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
POLISH-AMERICAN WEDDING CUSTOM
WHEN TWO POLISH-AMERICAN PEOPLE GET MARRIED, AN ORCHESTRA
ARRIVES AT THE HOME OF THE BRIDE. THESE MUSICIANS, USUALLY AN
ACCORDIONIST, DRUMMER, AND SAXOPHONE PLAYER, STAND ON THE FRONT
PORCH OF THE BRIDE'S HOME, AND THEY BEGIN TO PLAY AS SOON AS THE
BRIDE IS DRIVEN AWAY TO THE NUPTIAL CEREMONY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Band, orchestra play at bride's house |
Date learned: 09-16-1969
BELIEF: (MEDICAL)
IF ON EASTER MORNING YOU GO TO A RIVER FOR WATER, AND NEVER
LOOK SIDEWAYS OR BACKWARDS OR SPEAK TO ANYONE, AND MAKE IT BACK
HOME BEFORE SUNRISE, YOU WILL HAVE HEALING WATER TO USE FOR A
WHOLE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; NATIONAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 10-31-1969
Superstition: Pregnancy
IF A HARE PASSES IN FRONT OF A PREGNANT WOMAN, HER CHILD WILL BE BORN
WITH A HARELIP UNLESS SHE MAKES A TEAR IN HER SLIP.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added and information updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; informant's home
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; CURSE ; Deformity ; Hare ; Offspring ; PREGNANCY ; Rabbit ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): IMITATIVE MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Body part Senses Mouth, teeth, lips, tongue BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 01-22-1970
Proverb
A stitch in time saves nine.
Submitter comment:
Informant heard this from her mother when she was a child.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Forethought ; Maxim ; Nine ; NUMBER ; PROVERB ; Save ; Stitch ; THRIFT ; TIME ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Proverb
Beggars cannot be choosers.
Submitter comment:
Informant remembers her mother telling her this in Detroit in the early 1930's.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Beggar ; Chooser ; Greedy ; Maxim ; Picky ; PROVERB ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |