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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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JESS HARPER, FROM GODRICH ONTARIO CAME INTO LONDON,
LOOKING FOR A JOB WITH THE RAILROAD. HE WAS 6'6"
TALL AND WEIGHED 240 POUNDS. HE HAD NO TROUBLE PASSING
THE PHYSICAL, BUT WHEN IT CAME TO THE MENTAL PART, HE
LEFT SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED. THE SHARP LAWYER BEHIND
THE DESK IMMEDIATELY BEGAN DRILLING TRICKLY QUESTIONS
AT JESS. "LET'S SAY THAT THERE ARE TWO TRAINS ON THE
TRACK AT THE SAME TIME, AND EACH TRAIN IS GOING 100
MILES PER HOUR. WITH 200 PEOPLE ON EACH TRAIN. WHAT
WOULD YOU DO, JESS?" "WELL," JESS SAID, "I GUESS I'D WAVE
MY HANDERCHIEF." "NO! NO!, THEY COULDN'T SEE IT IN THE
DARK," SAID THE LAWYER. "THEN I'D WAVE MY LANTERN,"
JESS SAID. "NO! NO!, THEY COULDN'T SEE THE LANTERN
EITHER." "WELL, I GUESS I'D WHISTLE AS LOUD AS I COULD."
"NO! NO! YOU COULDN'T HEAR IT ABOVE THE NOISE." "OH!
I KNOW WHAT I'D DO," JESS SAID, "I'D GO CALL MY SISTER
NELLY WHO LIVES ABOVE THE TRACKS." "CALL YOUR SISTER,
NELLY? WHY?" "WELL," JESS SAID, "I'D TELL HER TO COME
DOWN AND SEE THE GODAMNEST WRECK SHE'S EVER SEEN IN
HER LIFE!"
Submitter comment:
WALLY SAID HIS DAD HAS BEEN TELLING THIS STORY EVER
SINCE HE CAN REMEMBER.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; TOP HAT SUPPER CLUB ; WINDSOR
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Omen
A cat on board a ship will keep death and disaster away.
Data entry tech comment:
Motif added by T.R. Davidson
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; TORONTO
Keyword(s): CAT ; DEATH ; Disaster ; Nautical ; OMEN ; PREVENTION ; Ship
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
QUESTION: WHAT DOES IT SAY ON THE BOTTOM OF POP
BOTTLES SENT TO NEWFOUNDLAND?
ANSWER: OPEN OTHER END!
Submitter comment:
OBTAINED IN A LETTER AFTER I HAD REQUESTED POLISH
JOKES. SHE SAID THAT IN TORONTO THEY DIDN'T HAVE
POLISH JOKES, BUT NEWFIE JOKES.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; TORONTO
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote Food Drink -- NEWF |
Date learned: 11-00-1967
QUESTION: WHAT DOES IT SAY ON THE BOTTOM OF POP
BOTTLES SENT TO NEWFOUNDLAND?
ANSWER: OPEN OTHER END!
Submitter comment:
OBTAINED IN A LETTER AFTER I HAD REQUESTED POLISH
JOKES. SHE SAID THAT IN TORONTO THEY DIDN'T HAVE
POLISH JOKES, BUT NEWFIE JOKES.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; TORONTO
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote Food Drink -- NEWF |
Date learned: 11-00-1967
FIFTY YEARS AGO IN MASON, QUEBEC THERE LIVED A GIRL OF
FOURTEEN OR FIFTEEN YEARS, NAMED NINE CHARETTE. SHE
HAD A DISEASE THAT OFTEN CAUSED HER TO GO INTO A
TRANCE-LIKE STATE. AFTER ONE TRANCE, SHE WAS PROCLAIMED
DEAD BY HER DOCTOR. SHE WAS THEN BURIED AFTER HER WAKE.
HER MOTHER OFTEN WORRIED THAT SHE HAD NOT BEEN DEAD,
BUT STILL IN A TRANCE. SHE HAD DREAMS OF THE GIRL
SCREAMING AND ONE DAY HEARD HER SCREAM VIOLENTLY AS
SHE DID HER DISHES. MRS. CHARETTE AND HER HUSBAND
CALLED THE UNDERTAKER TO DIG UP HER COFFIN. WHEN THEY
OPENED IT, THEY FOUND THE BODY COMPLETELY TURNED OVER
WITH HER HANDS FULL OF HAIR. SHE HAD BEEN BURIED ALIVE!
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT DECLARES THIS TO BE TRUE AND SHE HERSELF
ATTENDED THE WAKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CANADA ; DETROIT ; QUEBEC ; MASSON
Keyword(s): COMA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 03-22-1972 ; 00-00-1922
FIFTY YEARS AGO IN MASON, QUEBEC THERE LIVED A GIRL OF
FOURTEEN OR FIFTEEN YEARS, NAMED NINE CHARETTE. SHE
HAD A DISEASE THAT OFTEN CAUSED HER TO GO INTO A
TRANCE-LIKE STATE. AFTER ONE TRANCE, SHE WAS PROCLAIMED
DEAD BY HER DOCTOR. SHE WAS THEN BURIED AFTER HER WAKE.
HER MOTHER OFTEN WORRIED THAT SHE HAD NOT BEEN DEAD,
BUT STILL IN A TRANCE. SHE HAD DREAMS OF THE GIRL
SCREAMING AND ONE DAY HEARD HER SCREAM VIOLENTLY AS
SHE DID HER DISHES. MRS. CHARETTE AND HER HUSBAND
CALLED THE UNDERTAKER TO DIG UP HER COFFIN. WHEN THEY
OPENED IT, THEY FOUND THE BODY COMPLETELY TURNED OVER
WITH HER HANDS FULL OF HAIR. SHE HAD BEEN BURIED ALIVE!
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT DECLARES THIS TO BE TRUE AND SHE HERSELF
ATTENDED THE WAKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CANADA ; DETROIT ; QUEBEC ; MASSON
Keyword(s): COMA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 03-22-1972 ; 00-00-1922
LOST IN A STORM
DURING WORLD WAR I, THREE FRENCH CAPTAINS WERE TAKING
THREE BOATS OUT OF PORT WILLIAM, CANADA, A PORT ALONG
LAKE SUPERIOR, TO FIGHT IN THE WAR. AT THE TIME, THERE
WAS A BAD STORM ON LAKE SUPERIOR AND THE FRENCHMEN
WERE WARNED NOT TO CROSS THE LAKE. THEY LAUGHED
AND SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT AFRAID TO CROSS THAT
LITTLE PUDDLE. THEY WERE NEVER HEARD FROM AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CANADA ; DETROIT ; PORT WILLIAMS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Wind Whirlwind Hurricane Cyclone Tornado PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 11-12-1968 ; WORLD WAR 1
WHEN SPRING CLEANING THE RUGS AND PAINTINGS MUST BE METICULOUSLY
CLEANED FOR GOOD LUCK IN THE SPRING.
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED BY MAIL ; MONTREAL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Spring BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Good luck Activities BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
IF A PERSON IS ILL IN A HOUSE, ONE CAN DETERMINE
DEATH IS NEAR IF A CAT WILL NOT REMAIN IN THE HOUSE.
IT IS BELIEVED CATS COULD SMELL DEATH NEARBY.
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED BY MAIL ; MONTREAL
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A MARRIAGE ENGAGEMENT SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED
THE DAY AFTER BOTH DREAM OF THEIR MARRIAGE. THIS
BRINGS GOOD LUCK AND SUCCESS TO THE FUTURE MARRIAGE.
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED BY MAIL ; MONTREAL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about weddings, funerals, and other crucial moments of life BELIEF -- Good luck Crucial moment of life |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
SUPERSTITION
IN QUEBEC, THE FRENCH WHO HAD LAND LIVED BY FARMING, AND THOSE
WHO HAD NONE LIVED BY BEGGING. THE FARMERS TREATED THE BEGGARS
WITH CARE, FOR THEY HAD POWERS--FOR GOOD, FOR ILL.
Where learned: CANADA
| Subject headings: | 840 BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SUPERSTITION
IN QUEBEC THE FRENCH WHO HAD LAND LIVED BY FARMING, AND THOSE
WHO HAD NONE LIVED BY BEGGING. THE FARMERS TREATED THE BEGGARS
WITH CARE, FOR THEY HAD POWERS - FOR GOOD, FOR ILL.
Where learned: CANADA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LOST IN A STORM
DURING WORLD WAR I, THREE FRENCH CAPTAINS WERE TAKING
THREE BOATS OUT OF PORT WILLIAM, CANADA, A PORT ALONG
LAKE SUPERIOR, TO FIGHT IN THE WAR. AT THE TIME, THERE
WAS A BAD STORM ON LAKE SUPERIOR AND THE FRENCHMEN
WERE WARNED NOT TO CROSS THE LAKE. THEY LAUGHED
AND SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT AFRAID TO CROSS THAT
LITTLE PUDDLE. THEY WERE NEVER HEARD FROM AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CANADA ; DETROIT ; PORT WILLIAMS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Wind Whirlwind Hurricane Cyclone Tornado PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 11-12-1968
UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR'S GREETING
AT MIDNIGHT, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO TAKE A SMALL BELL AND A
HANDFUL OF WHEAT AND TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF THE HEAD OF
THE HOUSEHOLD. WHEN HE OPENS HIS DOOR, THE MEMBERS OF HIS
HOUSEHOLD TOSS WHEAT ON THEIR MASTER AND WISH HIM A HAPPY
NEW YEAR. THEY WISH FOR HIM MANY BLESSINGS, PLENTY OF
FOOD, AND GOOD LUCK. THE WHEAT IS SYMBOLIC OF FRUITFULNESS.
A SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S SONG IS SUNG IN WHICH GOD'S BLESSINGS
ARE INVOKED FOR THE NEW YEAR. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE THANKS
THEM AND IN TURN WISHES THEM A HAPPY NEW YEAR. THEN THEY
HAVE A JOYOUS CELEBRATION.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; ANCASTER
Keyword(s): FOOD ; SPRINKLING ; THROWING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00001960S
APPLES, PEACHES, PEARS, AND PLUMS, JUMP IN WHEN YOUR BIRTHDAY COMES
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH , APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER.
Submitter comment:
THIS JUMPROPE RHYME IS FROM AN INFORMANT FROM CANADA. EACH PLAYER
JUMPS INTO THE JUMPROPE WHEN THE MONTH OF HIS BIRTH IS CALLED OFF.
Where learned: CANADA
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Entry filtered.
WHEN AN UNFAMILIAR GUEST ENTERS YOUR HOME, YOU
MUST HAVE FRESH FLOWERS IN THE HOUSE. THIS CUSTOM
ENSURED A HAPPY VISIT FOR BOTH PARTIES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED BY MAIL ; MONTREAL
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; FLOWERS ; Guest ; HOSPITALITY ; SUPERSTITION ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
HONEY-ANCIENT FOOD OF UKRAINE
ONE OF THE BASIC INGREDIENTS AND MOST BENEFICIAL FOOD FOR
UKRAINIANS IS HONEY. THE HONEY WAS CONSIDERED MEDICINAL AND
WAS GIVEN TO THE ELDERLY, THE SICK AND BABIES. MANY OF THE
UKRAINIAN RECIPES INCLUDE HONEY AS A BASIC INGREDIENT. THE
HOLIDAYS ALWAYS INCLUDE HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS. HONEY WAS
USED IN HONEYCAKE, KUTIA FOR CHRISTMAS AS SYRUPY HONEY AND
WHEAT, AND MIXED WITH THE FILLINGS OF NUT ROLLS AND POPPY
SEED ROLLS TO MAKE THEM MOIST AND SWEET. CERTAIN FANCY, RICH
CAKES CALLED TORTES ALSO INCLUDE HONEY WITH CREAM, BUTTER,
NUTS AND FLAVORINGS. EVEN TODAY, UKRAINIANS ARE LARGE
CONSUMERS OF HONEY FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE REASONS.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern Food Drink -- Food BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00001930S
UKRAINIAN GREETING FOR A BISHOP
THE GREETING OF A BISHOP, ARCHBISHOP OR CARDINAL BY THE
UKRAINIANS FOLLOWS CERTAIN CUSTOMS. WHEN THE DIGNITARY
ARRIVES AT THE CHURCH DOOR, HE IS MET BY THE PASTOR, AN
ELDERLY PARISHONER OR CHURCH PIONEER AND A LITTLE GIRL.
THE PIONEER HOLDS A TRAY ON WHICH AN EMBROIDERED CLOTH
HAS BEEN PLACED. A ROUND BREAD WITH A CANDLE IN THE CENTER
IS PLACED ON THE TRAY TOGETHER WITH A CONTAINER OF SALT.
SOMETIMES A SYMBOLIC KEY IS ALSO ON THE TRAY. THE ELDERLY
PARISHONER EXTENDS THE TRAY TO THE CHURCH DIGNITARY FOR
A BLESSING. THE GIRL, OFTEN DRESSED IN A FULL UKRAINIAN
COSTUME OF BOOTS, SKIRT, BLOUSE, VEST AND HEADPIECE, THEN
PRESENTS A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS TO THE DIGNITARY. THE TWO
PEOPLE MAKING THE PRESENTATIONS EXTEND A FEW WORDS OF
WELCOME ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH. THEN THE PASTOR LEADS
THE DIGNITARY DOWN THE AISLE AT WHICH TIME HE BLESSES
THE CONGREGATION.
Submitter comment:
THIS FORMAL WELCOME WOULD BE EXTENDED ON AN OFFICIAL
VISIT SUCH AS A PARISH VISITATION.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 00001940S
METONU-A PICTURE CARD GAME IN UKRAINIAN
THIS PARTICULAR CARD GAME IS ONLY PLAYED THE WEEK BEFORE
LENT. THE CARDS CONTAIN NUMBERS AND PICTURES OF PEOPLE,
FOOD AND ANIMALS. SOME ITEMS ON THE CARDS ARE A JEWISH MAN,
A POLICEMAN, A ROBBER, GARLIC, ONIONS, CARROTS, A PIG,
AND A PORCUPINE. THE PLAYERS HAD TO KNOW THE NAMES OF THE
PICTURES IN UKRAINIAN AND HAD TO MATCH THE CARDS ACCORDING
TO USE, RELATIONSHIP OR ASSOCIATION. ONE MATCH COULD BE
THE POLICEMAN CATCHES THE ROBBER. ALL THE CARDS ARE DEALT
TO THE PLAYERS. ANY MATCHES IN THEIR HAND WERE LAID OUT ON
THE TABLE. THE REMAINING CARDS HAD TO BE MATCHED BY TAKING
A CARD FROM THE PLAYER ON THE RIGHT. CERTAIN CARDS HAD A
PENALTY. IF YOU PICKED THAT CARD YOU HAD TO GIVE THE PLAYER
ONE OF THE THREE BEANS EACH PLAYER RECEIVED AT THE START.
IF YOU LOST ALL THREE BEANS, YOU WERE OUT AND YOUR CARDS
WERE RETURNED TO THE DECK. THE PLAYER HAVING THE MOST
BEANS WON THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
THIS CARD GAME IS NOT PLAYED BY THE UKRAINIAN LAY PEOPLE.
ONLY UKRAINIAN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES OF PRIESTS AND OF
SISTERS STILL PLAY METONU BOTH IN CANADA AND THE UNITED
STATES.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 00001940S