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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for ALLEN PARK returned 156 results.
The Blacksmiths Son
Long ago in a small village there lived a blacksmith. Now although blacksmiths were poor, they were, nevertheless, held in respect because they were the strongest men in the village.
People used to go to the blacksmith for advice and help. This particular balcksmithhad one son, and the blacksmith wanted his son to be a blacksmith also. But the son was lazy and did not like to work. One day he told his father: "father, I have a very brilliant idea. I'm going to learn your trade in an easy way. Here's my plan: Put me in a large basket above yuor workshop and I will watch everything you do. And by watching you constantly, I will earn your trade."
So the son was put in the basket and watched his father fort several months. Then the son said to his father: "Father, I think I'm ready." And so the father gave the son tools, and a large piece of iron, and said to his son: "now son, what are you going to make?"
"Father," the son said, "I think I'll make a hammer."
"Son," the father said, "If you can make a hammer, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me five years to learn how to make a hammer." And the son worked feverishly for several days but to no avail. So the son went to his father and said: "Father, I think I'll make a horseshoe instead."
The father said; "Son, if you can make a horseshoe, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me three years to learn how to make a horseshoe." The son again went out, pounding and forming, but to no avail. He said to the fahter: "Father, I think I will make a nail instead of a horseshoe."
The fahter said: "Son, if you can make a nail, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me two years to learn how to make a nail." The son worked for several hours, but to no avail. He said to his father: "Father, I will make something you never made. I will make a needle."
"Son," said the father, "if you make a needle, you will be a better blacksmith than I, for no smith has made a needle. " And so, the son worked and worked until finally there was nothing left. but he did not give up. He said: "Father, I will make something with no iron at all."
"Son, if you can make something without iron, it will indeed make you a great blacksmith," the father replied.
The son said: "Come watch, Father." He took a pair of tongs and heated them red hot, and suddenly plunged them into a barrel of water, and said: "Father, I did it. I made a pss."
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original Boggs Number [ B665] crossed out and B646 is written next to it.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): Blacksmith ; FAMILY ; Father ; Hammer ; HORSESHOE ; HUMOR ; IRON ; Learn ; Lesson ; Needle ; Outsmart ; Skill ; Son ; TRADE ; Wise ; Wisecrack
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic |
ON TOP OF OLD SMOKEY ALL COVERED WITH CHEESE;
I LOST MY POOR MEAT BALL WHEN SOMEBODY SNEEZED,
IT ROLLED OFF THE TABLE AND ON TO THE FLOOR;
THEN MY POOR MEAT BALL ROLLED RIGHT OUT THE DOOR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): JOKE ; MUSIC ; PARODY ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 01-28-1972
MING TOY LOVED A BOY, HAPPY LITTLE JAPANESE;
OOO LONG WAS HIS NAME, SET HER HEART AFLAME;
ONE DAY HE SAY SOON I GOTTA GO AWAY,
WHEN HE LEAVE MING TOY GRIEVE; EVERYBODY HEARD HER SAY_HAY_HAY;
SO LONG, OOO ONG, HOW LONG YOU GONNA BE GONE;
SO DON,T BE TOO LONG, OOO LONG, HURRY BACK HOME;
OH YOU LITTLE JAPANESE. I'LL BE WAITING UNDERNEATH THE BAMBOO TREE;
PLEASE DON,T BE TOO LONG, OOO LONG, HURRY BACK HOME.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): ; Asian ; Chinese ; ETHNIC ; HUMOROUS INTERNAL RHYME ; Japanese ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 02-02-1972
CUSTOM
ON THE DAY WE CELEBRATE THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DECEMBER 8TH,
THIS INFORMANT'S MOTHER MAKES SPECIAL BREAD THAT IS THEN BLESSED
BY A PRIEST.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT DID NOT KNOW SPECIFIC REASON BEHIND THE CUSTOM, JUST
THAT IT HAS BEEN DONE FOR GENERATIONS IN HER FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120 Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1971
ST. MARTIN'S DAY
AN OLD POLISH SUPERSTITION IS THAT IF THERE IS FROST ON ST.
MARTIN'S DAY, THEN THE PEOPLE CAN PUT THEIR SLEIGHS AWAY AND BRING
THEIR WAGONS OUT FOR THERE WILL BE NO MORE SNOW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F111 BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
OMEN
ITALIANS BELIEVE THAT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, THE EVE OF ALL SAINTS DAY,
ALL THE DEAD PEOPLE MARCH IN A PROCESSION, WITH THEIR THUMBS AS
CANDLES. IF ONE HEARS A KNOCK ON THEIR WINDOW NEAR MIDNIGHT, IT
IS A SIGN THAT DEATH WILL OCCUR WITHIN THAT HOUSEHOLD WITHIN THE
YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 10-00-1971
NAMING
MY GRANDMOTHER WAS FROM ONE OF THOSE LARGE FAMILIES. THEY WOULD BEGAN
TO NAME A BABY WHEN SOMEONE FROM THE FAMILY WOULD SAY, "OH YOU GOTTA
NAME IT AFTER ME." SO SHE ENDED UP WITH THE NAME OF HILDA, TINA,
MELISSA, AVA, ALVA, ALVATINE. SHE WENT THROUGH LIFE WITH THE NAME OF
ALVA.
Where learned: ALLEN PARK ; TOLD IN
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname |
EASTER BELIEF
THE REASON WHY WE HAVE BUNNIES ON EASTER IS BECAUSE A LITTLE
RABBIT IS THE FIRST THING THAT JESUS SAW WHEN HE CAME OUT OF THE
TOMB.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS IN 1976. ANOTHER POSSIBLE REASON
IS THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RABBITS, EASTER AND SPRING. FERTILITY
AND PURIFICATION ARE INHERENT TO ALL THREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Measure of time Spring |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 09-00-1976
APHRODISIACS
STRAWBERRIES MAKE A PERSON HORNY. (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE)
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS IN 1979. STRAWBERRIES ARE OFTEN
ASSOCIATED WITH DESERTS AND SWEETS. THIS MAY ACCOUNT FOR ITS
CONNECTION WITH APHRODISIACS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
MORON JOKE
WHAT IS GREEN AND RED AND GOES 100 MILES PER HOUR? MM
A FROG IN A BLENDER.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SICK JOKE. THEY ARE COMMON FADS
AND ARE USUALLY IN QUESTION AND ANSWER FORM. IT CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS
MACABRE HUMOR AND AS A RIDDLE JOKE. HERE THE CONVENTIONAL CHRISTMAS
COLORS OF RED AND GREEN ARE USED DIFFERENTLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
TRUE RIDDLE
WHEN IS ICE CREAM LIKE A SHIP? MM
WHEN IT'S A-FLOAT.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRUE RIDDLE IS A CONUNDRUM. IT IS BASED ON WORD PLAY. HERE
A-FLOAT HAS TWO DIFFERENT MEANINGS ATTACHING UNLIKE NOUNS. IT IS
TYPICAL IN THAT IT ASKS WHY ONE THING IS LIKE ANOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
WELLERISM
BY GEORGE, SAID PAUL, WHILE SITTING ON THE JOHN. WHERE DID MY
RING GO?
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A WELLERISM-LIKE DEVICE SINCE THERE IS NO HUMOROUS
QUOTATION FOLLOWING. IT IS ALSO SIMILAR TO A TOM SWIFTIE, BUT
THERE IS NO ADVERBIAL PUN. THIS SAYING CONTAINS ALL FOUR OF THE
BEATLES' NAMES - GEORGE, PAUL, JOHN, RINGO - INCORPORATED IN ONE
SENTENCE. JOHN IS USED AS A SLANG FOR TOILET. GEORGE IS USED AS
A SIGN OF EXCLAMATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): NAME (GEORGE) IN EXCLAMATION ; SLANG: JOHN FOR TOILET
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname PROVERB -- Wellerism Quotation |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
PROVERB
IF YOUR EAR RINGS,
YOUR NAME SOMEONE SINGS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS PROVERB IN 1976. THE STYLISTIC
DEVICES OF RHYME AND METER ARE USED. INVERSION IS PRESENT IN
THIS SHORT PIECE. KEY WORDS ARE EMPHASIZED AND A CAUSE AND EFFECT
RELATIONSHIP IS PRESENT. IT IS AN "A = B" EQUATION. THE
COLLECTOR INTERPRETS THIS TO MEAN THAT SOMEONE IS TALKING ABOUT
YOU, IF YOUR EARS RING.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; GOSSIP ; Longing ; PREDICTION ; Relationship ; RHYME ; SIGN ; Sing ; SONG ; TALK
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 09-00-1976
PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS (NATIONALITY GROUP)
A COLONY OF AMISH PEOPLE NOW LIVE IN COLON, MICHIGAN. THEY MOVED
HERE FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO ESCAPE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TEACHERS NOT
HAVING CERTIFICATES. NOW THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IN COLON.
ONE CAN TELL AN AMISH HOUSE IN COLON, MICH. BECAUSE THE WINDOWS
NEVER HAVE CURTAINS. THEY ONLY HAVE SHADES. THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY
OR LUXURIES IN THEIR HOUSES. THE PEOPLE OFTEN TAKE THEIR
HORSE AND BUGGY TO THE LOCAL SUPERMARKET, LEAVING THE HORSE TIED
TO A HITCHING POST OFF TO THE SIDE. THEY WILL NEVER BUY FOOD WITH
PRESERVATIVES AND PREFER TO EAT A RATHER THICK TASTING BREAD.
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE TASTED THE BREAD AND COULD NOT STAND
MORE THAN A FEW BITES BECAUSE IT WAS SO RICH.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED OF THE AMISH WHILE GOING TO A FAMILY
COTTAGE IN COLON, MICH. IN 1978. HER DESCRIPTION SOUNDS TYPICAL OF
THE CLASSIC PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH ATTIRE AND ATTITUDE. SIMPLICITY
AND KEEPING TO OLD TRADITIONS ARE INHERENT TO HER DESCRIPTION.
UPON VISITING COLON WITH THE INFORMANT, THE COLLECTOR NOTICED THE
SAME CUSTOMS. ONE HEARS ON THE NEWS ABOUT THE CURRENT PROBLEMS
WITH TEACHING, STRESSING THAT NEW DIFFICULTIES ARE ALWAYS ARISING
WITH THE AMISH.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): Amish ; BREAD ; Buggy ; Curtains ; GERMAN ; HORSE ; Preservatives ; Shades ; Simplicity ; Technology
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal BELIEF -- P439 |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1978
SUPERSTITION
DRINKING GIN CAUSES WRINKLES. MO OTHER LIQUOR WILL HAVE THIS
RESULT.
Submitter comment:
WHEN QUESTIONED, THE INFORMANT COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION AS TO
WHY GIN IS THE ONLY LIQUOR THAT HAS WRINKLES AS A RESULT.
PERHAPS SOMEONE IN HIS FAMILY DRANK HIGH AMOUNTS OF GIN AND HAD
A LOT OF WRINKLES. HE MAY HAVE SUBCONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED THE TWO AS
CAUSE AND EFFECT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Date learned: 10-00-1980
MNEMONIC DEVICE
AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER HOW MANY DAYS ARE IN EACH MONTH IS TO
COUNT ON ONE'S KNUCKLES. MONTHS WITH THIRTY ONE DAYS LIE ON THE
TOP OF THE KNUCKLE. MONTHS WITH THIRTY DAYS (29 FOR FEB.) WILL FALL
BETWEEN KNUCKLES. FOR EXAMPLE, JAN. IS ON TOP (HAS 31 DAYS) AND
FEB. IS IN BETWEEN (HAS 29 DAYS) ETC.
Submitter comment:
ALTHOUGH THIS TECHNICALLY IS NOT A MNEMONIC DEVICE SINCE NO
SPEAKING IS INVOLVED, IT IS A SIMPLE TASK USED TO HELP ONE REMEMBER.
WHEN THE COLLECTOR TRIED IT, IT WORKED WITHOUT FLAW IF YOU START
AT THE FIRST KNUCKLE WHEN PROCEEDING FROM JULY TO AUGUST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Month BELIEF -- Number BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
WHEN MANY PEOPLE SHARE REFRIGERATORS IN A FRATERNITY, THERE IS A
PROBLEM OF STEALING FOOD. ONE SURE WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO REPLACE
URINE FOR APPLE JUICE IN A STAMPED JUICE BOTTLE. WHEN THE CULPRIT
TAKES HIS FIRST SIP, HE LEARNS HIS LESSON WELL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS PRANK IN 1976 AT WESTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY. UNDOUBTEDLY, THE UNKNOWING PARTY FEELS SOME
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISCOMFORT. AFTER THE INITIAL JOKE, ALL
CONCERNED MAY BE MORE SKEPTICAL AND THE STEALING STOPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 06-00-1978
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
INCOMING FRESHMEN AT CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL (ALLEN PARK, MI.)
ARE THE BUTT
OF MANY PRACTICAL JOKES. ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SENIORS
HAVE THEM BUY ELEVATOR PASSES FOR FIVE DOLLARS. THEY EXPLAIN THAT
ONLY A CHOICE FEW ARE ISSUED THEM. HOWEVER, CABRINI DOES NOT HAVE
AN ELEVATOR AND THE FRESHMEN SOON DISCOVER THAT THEY WERE DUPED.
ANOTHER JOKE IS TO BAPTISE THE FRESHMEN BY PLACING THEIR HEADS
UNDERNEATH A RUNNING FAUCET.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THESE ACADEME CUSTOMS IN 1970 AT CABRINI
HIGH SCHOOL. THEY ARE A TYPE OF INITIATION RITE OR RITE OF
PASSAGE OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL.
ALTHOUGH HARMLESS, THEY COULD OFTEN CAUSE HARD FEELINGS. PERHAPS
THE TERM "BAPTISING" ENTERS SINCE CABRINI IS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
MNENOMIC DEVICE
AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER HOW TO SPELL CHICAGO IS: MM
CHICKEN IN A CAR,
AND THE CAR CAN'T GO.
THAT'S HOW YOU SPELL CHICAGO.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS AROUND 1970 WHEN SHE
WAS YOUNG AND COULD NOT SPELL CHICAGO. MNEMONIC DEVICES ARE IN THE
CATEGORY WITH RIDDLES AND MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A VERBAL PUZZLE.
THEY AID IN REMEMBERING DIFFICULT FACTS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Speech Speech |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00001970 CA
TELL A WOMAN SHE IS BEAUTIFUL, AND THE DEVIL WILL
REPEAT IT TO HER TEN TIMES.
Where learned: ALLEN PARK ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 03-25-1971