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SOUP PICNIC

EVERY LABOR DAY, FOR AT LEAST FORTY YEARS, BUT NOT SINCE 1971,
THE ROHR FAMILY HELD WHAT THEY CALLED A "SOUP PICNIC." EACH INDI-
VIDUAL FAMILY WOULD BRING A PAN OF VEGETABLE SOUP, AND AT THE PICNIC
SITE (WHICH TRADED OFF FROM FAMILY TO FAMILY YEARLY) THE SOUPS WOULD
BE COMBINED IN A BIG BUTCHERING KETTLE, AND HEATED OVER AN OPEN
FIRE. THE FAMILY MADE A DAY OF IT, AND WOULD EAT THE SOUP BOTH FOR
LUNCH AND SUPPER THAT DAY.
WHEN THE CUSTOM FIRST STARTED, THE MEALS CONSISTED SOLELY OF
SOUP AND CRACKERS. AFTER A FEW YEARS, CORN ON THE COB WAS ADDED,
SINCE MANY OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS WERE GROWING IT, AND IT WAS PLENTI-
FUL DURING THE LATE SUMMER. AFTER A FEW YEARS, DESSERTS WERE ALSO
ADDED TO THE TRADITION, BUT IT WAS ALWAYS KEPT AT THAT--NEVER ANY
SIDE DISHES, OR MEAT (OTHER THAN THAT IN THE SOUP ITSELF.) (IN MY
WORDS)

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F0900
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Month
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Food container
Food Drink -- Manner of preparation Kind of heatCooking equipment
Food Drink -- Manner of preparation Process
Food Drink -- Mixed preparation in liquid
Food Drink -- Plant food Vegetable

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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Entry filtered.

"ABC"

A STANDS FOR ADAMS, HEAD OF OUR NATION
B STANDS FOR BAILEY, HELL AND DAMNATION
C STANDS FOR CASEY--THEY CALL HIM HAWKEYE
D STANDS FOR DAVID, WHO SELLS THE BOSS OLD RYE
E STANDS FOR EVERHARDT, WHO'S ALWAYS IN FULL BLOOM
F STANDS FOR FLEMING, WHO RUNS THE SALOON
G STANDS FOR GRABER, WHO CUTS UP THE MEAT
H STANDS FOR HEALY, WHO TAKES IT IN TO EAT
I STANDS FOR ICKES, WHO DRINKS MIGHTY SLOW
J STANDS FOR JESSEP, WHERE POOR PEOPLE GO
K STANDS FOR KILLINGER, THE BOSS IRON-MAN
L STANDS FOR LEPPLER, WHO CHEATS YOU IF HE CAN
M STANDS FOR MATTHEWS, WHO DRIVES THE EXPRESS
N STANDS FOR NOTHING, WHO GIVES US A REST
O STANDS FOR OLRICH, YOU KNOW HIM QUITE WELL
P STANDS FOR PAUL, WHO CUTS QUITE A SWELL
Q STANDS FOR QUINCY, WHOSE BARGAINS ARE RARE
R STANDS FOR RICKHEIMER, WHO KEEPS US ALL SQUARE
S STANDS FOR SIBILA, WHO KEEPS US NEAR HIS FEET
T STANDS FOR TAYLOR, WHO GRINDS UP THE WHEAT
U STANDS FOR ULLUM, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
V STANDS FOR VOGT, I PRESUME YOU ALL SAW
W STANDS FOR WATKINS, WHO GIVES THEM A DRINK
X STANDS FOR XILLION, THE POLICEMAN ALL HATE
Y STANDS FOR YOUNG, WHO DRIVES THE BAY MARE, AND
Z STANDS FOR ZENDER, WHO DRINKS LAGER BEER

Submitter comment: 1941 ON A HOME RECORD-MAKER, AND THE TONE QUALITY IS NOT PERFECT.
THIS WAS A FAVORITE OF MY LATE GRANDFATHER'S. SOME OF THE LAST
NAMES IN THE VERSE ARE NAMES VERY COMMON IN MASSILLON, OHIO,
WHERE HE LIVED HIS ENTIRE LIFE, AND HE PROBABLY SUBSTITUTED THEM AS
HE FOUND FIT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE "H IS FOR HEALY" LINE IS "H IS FOR
HACKETT" IN ANOTHER OF THE RECORDED VERSIONS. HEALY IS THE INFOR-
MANT'S SON-IN-LAW (AND MY UNCLE) WHO MADE ALL THE HOME RECORDS.
IN ANOTHER VERSION I HEARD, ALSO RECORDED BY MY LATE GRANDFATHER
THE ENTIRE SONG WAS THE SAME, EXCEPT FOR THE LAST
{FIRST?} TWO LINES, WHICH WERE CHANGED TO:
A STANDS FOR AUGUSTINE, WHO MAKES THE MALT SPIRITS
B STANDS FOR BAILEY, WHO'S STILL ON THE TURF
POSSIBLY THESE LINES WERE REPLACEMENTS FOR THE FIRST TWO LINES IN
THE TAPED VERSION, BUT OCCASIONALLY MY GRANDFATHER WOULD REMEMBER THE
OLDER LINES, AND SING THEM, INSTEAD.
SOME OF THE EXPRESSIONS USED ARE OUTMODED. FOR EXAMPLE, KILL-
INGER, THE BOSS IRON-MAN, IS PROBABLY A FOREMAN AT A STEEL MILL, OR
MAYBE EVEN A BLACKSMITH. PAUL, WHO CUTS QUITE A SWELL, IS A FLASHY
DRESSER.
IN EVERY VERSION, THE LETTERS A TO Y ARE CONSISTENTLY SPOKEN,
AND THE LETTER Z SUNG. THE "ATTENTION PUPILS" AND "THAT'S ALL" FORM-
ING THE START AND CLOSE OF THE VERSE, WERE PROBABLY NOT A PART OF THE
TRUE SONG, BECAUSE THEY APPEAR ONLY IN THIS VERSION.
NOTE THAT ON THE CASSETTE IS AN INTRODUCTION AND A CLOSING.
THIS IS NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL SONG, BUT IN ITS OWN RESPECT IS A
TRADITION--HEALY, THE ANNOUNCER, ALWAYS LIKED TO PROVIDE COMMENTARY
FOR THE SONGS RECORDED ON HIS MACHINE.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Verse without Music
Filter - Mature Content

Date learned: 09-00-1941

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IF YOU PLEASE MISS NELLIE

BOY: IF YOU PLEASE, MISS NELLIE
WHY DO YOU WEAR A FROWN?
YESTERDAY I WAS LONELY
BECAUSE YOU WENT TO TOWN
GIRL: NO SIR, YOU WERE NOT LONELY
I SAW YOU OUT WITH BESSIE BROWN
I SAW YOU BITE HER APPLE
I SAW YOU TWIST HER CURL
BOY: I WAS JUST TALKING TO HER
GIRL: WELL, THEN GO TALK SOME MORE
BOY: NELLIE, DO BE MY PLAYMATE
JUST AS YOU WERE BEFORE
BOTH: PLAYMATES, PLAYMATES
SINCE OUR BABY DAYS
LITTLE PLAYMATES
TRA, LA, LA
BOTH: NOW WE QUARREL - LA, LA, LA
GIRL: RUN RIGHT AWAY, YOU BIG BILLY GRAY
FOR I SHALL BE TEDDY'S GIRL
BOY: HERE IS A ROSY APPLE
GIRL: GIVE IT TO BESSIE BROWN
BOY: SEE HERE I HAVE A BRAND NEW DIME
I CAN BUY TWO BIG ICE CREAMS
BESSIE'S THEY'LL BE AND MINE
GIRL: I WAS JUST FOOLING, BILLY
OF COURSE I DIDN'T MEAN IT SO
BILLY COME BACK, I WON'T PLAY WITH JACK
YOU'RE THE BEST BOY I KNOW
BOTH: PLAYMATES, PLAYMATES
SINCE OUR BABY DAYS
LITTLE PLAYMATES
TRA, LA, LA
THAT'S HOW IT IS, JUST HOW IT IS
WITH A SAUCER OF PINK ICE CREAM

Submitter comment: SINCE THE TWO CHARACTERS IN THIS SONG ARE YOUNG, IT SHOULD
IDEALLY BE SUNG BY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. MY FATHER AND AUNT PERFORMED
IT AT A CHURCH SHOW WHEN THEY WERE AGED 8 AND 10, RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH REMEMBERED IT INDEPENDENTLY, WORD FOR WORD, THOUGH NEITHER WAS
ABLE TO RECALL FROM WHERE THEY ORIGINALLY LEARNED IT.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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OCTOBER GAVE A PARTY

OCTOBER GAVE A PARTY
THE LEAVES BY HUNDREDS CAME
THE CHESTNUT, OAK, AND MAPLE
AND LEAVES OF EVERY NAME
THE SUNSHINE SPREAD THE CARPET
AND EVERYTHING LOOKED GRAND
MISS WEATHER LED THE DANCING
PROFESSOR WIND THE BAND
THE CHESTNUTS CAME IN YELLOW
THE OAK IN CRIMSON DRESS
THE LOVELY MRS. MAPLE
IN SCARLET LOOKED HER BEST
ALL DANCED TO THEIR PARTNERS
AND GAILY FLUTTERED BY
THE SWEET ONE LIKE A RAINBOW
NEW-FALLEN FROM THE SKY
THEN IN THE RUSTIC BILLOW
AT HIDE AND SEEK THEY PLAYED
THE PARTY BROKE AT SUNDOWN
BUT STILL THE LEAVES ALL STAYED
PROFESSOR WIND PLAYED LOUDER
THEY FLEW ALONG THE GROUND
AND HERE THE PARTY ENDED
WITH A JOLLY OLD HAND ROUND

Submitter comment: THIS SONG WAS LEARNED BY MY AUNT FROM HER MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS
SIX YEARS OLD.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

James Callow Keyword(s): AUTUMN ; PERSONIFICATION

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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I'M A PRETTY LITTLE KITTEN

I'M A PRETTY LITTLE KITTEN
MY NAME IS TABBY GRAY
I LIVE OUT IN THE COUNTRY
SO MANY MILES AWAY
MY EYES ARE DARK AS HAZEL
MY FUR IS SOFT AS SILK
I'M FURNISHED IN THE MORNING
WITH A SAUCER FULL OF MILK
THE MILK COMES FRESH AND FOAMY
FRESH FROM THE GOOD OLD COW
AND AFTER I HAVE LAPPED IT
I FROLIC YOU KNOW HOW
I'M PETTED BY THE CHILDREN
THE MISTRESS OF THE HOUSE
AND SOMETIMES WHEN I'M NIMBLE
I CAN CATCH A LITTLE MOUSE
BUT SOMETIMES WHEN I'M NAUGHTY
I CLIMB UPON THE STAND
AND EAT THE CAKE OR CHICKEN
OR ANYTHING I CAN
AW, THEN THEY HIDE MY SAUCER
NO MATTER HOW I MEW
AND THAT'S THE WAY I'M PUNISHED
FOR THE NAUGHTY THINGS I DO

Submitter comment: THIS SONG HAS BEEN KNOWN BY MY AUNT SINCE SHE WAS A SMALL GIRL,
AND SHE USED TO SING IT TO ME WHEN I WAS A SMALL CHILD. SHE HAS
LONG HAD IT MEMORIZED. I HAVE SEEN IN CHILDREN'S STORY-BOOKS A SIM-
ILAR STORY (NOT SET TO MUSIC) ABOUT A HORSE NAMED DAPPLE GRAY, BUT
HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD THE KITTEN VERSION ANYWHERE OTHER THAN FROM
MY AUNT, AND IT IS THE ONLY VERSION SHE KNOWS.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

James Callow Keyword(s): CAT

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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FIVE-WAY TIC-TAC-TOE

TO PLAY FIVE-WAY TIC-TAC-TOE, A SHEET OF GRAPH PAPER IS USED BY
TWO PLAYERS, WHO TRY TO BUILD ROWS OF FIVE "X" OR "O", DEPENDING
ON THE PLAYER'S RESPECTIVE SYMBOL. UNLIKE CONVENTIONAL TIC-TAC-TOE,
IN WHICH A NEW GRID IS DRAWN AFTER A PLAYER (OR CAT) WINS A GAME,
FIVE-WAY KEEPS THE GAME GOING CONSTANTLY: SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY
SPACES, AS SOON AS ONE ROW OF FIVE IS COMPLETED, THE GAME DOES NOT
STOP, BUT CONTINUES, WITH PLAYERS TRYING TO COMPILE AS MANY ROWS AS
POSSIBLE. THE WINNER IS THE ONE WHO BUILDS THE MOST ROWS IN A PRE-
DETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME, OR WITHIN A GIVEN AMOUNT OF SPACE.

Submitter comment: THIS GAME WAS POPULAR TO PLAY BETWEEN (AND DURING) CLASSES AT MY
HIGH-SCHOOL (CEETRAL CATHOLIC IN CANTON, OHIO),
ESPECIALLY DURING A
"FIVE-WAY FAD" IN 1970.
A FEW SIMPLE VARIATIONS OF THE GAME WERE PLAYED, ONE WHICH
ALLOWED ANY NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO PARTICIPATE, BY USING ANOTHER SYM-
BOL, SUCH AS A LETTER; SOMETIMES INITIALS WOULD BE USED FOR EASE IN
IDENTIFICATION, AND RARELY, ROWS WOULD BE DETERMINED BY COLORING IN
BLOCKS WITH A COLORED PEN AT YOUR TURN.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C350
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement

Date learned: 10-00-1973

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COLORED EGGS

AT LEAST THREE PLAYERS ARE NEEDED, BUT THE MORE THE BETTER. ONE KID
PLAYS THE WOLF, ONE PLAYS THE MOTHER, AND THE REST ARE EGGS. BEFORE
THE GAME STARTS, THE WOLF GOES AWAY WHERE HE CANNOT HEAR, WHILE THE
MOTHER ASSIGNS EACH OF THE EGGS A COLOR. AT THE GAME'S START, THE
WOLF KNOCKS AT AN IMAGINARY DOOR AND THE MOTHER ANSWERS. HE ASKS HER
IF SHE HAS ANY COLORED EGGS. SHE REPLIES "NO." BUT AT THAT MOMENT
ALL THE EGGS IN THE BACKGROUND GO "PEEP-PEEP-PEEP." HE PUSHES THE
MOTHER ASIDE, AND GOES INTO THE "HOUSE." HE THEN NAMES OFF COLORS
UNTIL HE GUESSES THE COLOR OF ONE OF THE EGGS. THAT EGG MUST THEN
RUN AROUND A DESIGNATED AREA, SUCH AS THE BACK YARD. IF THE WOLF
CATCHES HIM, THAT EGG BECOMES THE WOLF, AND THE GAME STARTS ALL OVER
AGAIN, WITH THE ORIGINAL WOLF NOW BECOMING AN EGG, AND THE REST OF
THE EGGS GETTING NEW COLORS. (THE ROLE OF MOTHER MAY OR MAY NOT
ROTATE.) IF THE EGG IS NOT CAUGHT, HE GOES BACK TO THE HOUSE AND THE
WOLF GUESSES OTHER EGGS' COLORS. (IN MY WORDS)

Submitter comment: THIS GAME IS ESPECIALLY POPULAR WITH BOYS AND GIRLS UNDER AGE TEN.
AFTER THAT AGE, IT IS PLAYED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY BY GIRLS. A POSSIBLE
EXPLANATION FOR THIS COULD BE THAT THE BOY DOES NOT LIKE HAVING TO
OCCASIONALLY TAKE THE ROLE OF THE MOTHER.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Guessing

Date learned: 09-00-1973

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OLD WITCH, WHAT TIME IS IT?

ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY, THE MORE THE BETTER. ONE PERSON PLAYS THE
PART OF THE WITCH, AND SHE STANDS FAR AWAY FROM THE REST OF THE
PLAYERS, WITH HER BACK TURNED AWAY FROM THEM. THE FIRST PLAYER SAYS
TO THE WITCH, "OLD WITCH, WHAT TIME IS IT?" THE WITCH RESPONDS WITH
A TIME ON THE HOUR, SUCH AS 1, 2, OR ANYWHERE TO 12 O'CLOCK, AND THE
PERSON TAKES THAT MANY STEPS. EACH PLAYER DOES THIS IN TURN, AND
THEY KEEP REPEATING UNTIL A POINT WHERE THE WITCH BELIEVES ONE OF
THEM IS CLOSE TO HER. WHEN THAT PERSON AGAIN ASKS HER "OLD WITCH,
WHAT TIME IS IT," SHE SAYS (OR USUALLY YELLS) "TWELVE O'CLOCK MID-
NIGHT" AND TURNS AROUND RUNNING, TRYING TO CATCH THE PERSON. IF SHE
SUCCEEDS BEFORE THE PERSON REACHES THE STARTING POINT WHICH SERVES
AS BASE, THAT PERSON BECOMES THE WITCH FOR THE NEXT GAME. IF SHE
FAILS TO CATCH THE PERSON, SHE REMAINS THE WITCH. IN ADDITION, IF
THE PLAYER GETS CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE WITCH TO TOUCH HER WHEN SHE IS
STILL TURNED AROUND, HE MAY DO SO, AND SHE WILL STAY THE WITCH FOR
THE NEXT GAME. (IN MY WORDS)

Submitter comment: THE GAME DESCRIBED ABOVE IS THE "CORE" GAME, BUT THERE ARE MANY
VARIATIONS. IN ONE THE WITCH MAY SAY SOMETHING SUCH AS "13 O'CLOCK"
OR EVEN "100 O'CLOCK." ALSO, THE GAME MAY INCLUDE DIRECTIONS ON WHAT
TYPE OF STEPS TO TAKE: AFTER THE WITCH GIVES THE TIME, SHE TELLS YOU
TO TAKE REGULAR, GIANT, BABY, OR SARSAPARILLA STEPS. THE SARSAPA-
RILLA STEP IS MADE BY TURNING COMPLETE CIRCULAR REVOLUTIONS WHILE AT
THE SAME TIME ADVANCING.
BEFORE A GAME YOU USUALLY STATE WHICH VARIANTS YOU WILL BE USING,
UNLESS IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU USE THE SAME
VARIANTS ALL THE TIME.
WHEN YOU PLAY WITHOUT THE VARIANT WHICH DICTATES THE STEP SIZE
TO TAKE, STRATEGY CAN BE EMPLOYED. A PERSON MAY TAKE HUGE STEPS,
TRYING TO GET UP TO THE WITCH SOON SO THAT HE CAN TAP HER ON THE
BACK. OR HE MAY TAKE TINY STEPS SO THAT HE NEVER GETS TOO FAR AWAY
FROM THE BASE, THEREFORE AVOIDING BEING CAUGHT.
THE WITCH CAN USE STRATEGY ALSO, BY OCCASIONALLY SAYING "12
O'CLOCK NOONTIME," TRYING TO FOOL THE PERSON INTO THINKING SHE SAID
"12 O'CLOCK MIDNIGHT:" IF THE PERSON RUNS BEFORE HE REALIZES THIS,
HE IS AUTOMATICALLY MADE THE WITCH. THIS MAY WORK IN REVERSE AT
TIMES, BECAUSE THE PLAYER MAY THINK FOR A MOMENT THAT THE WITCH HAS
SAID "12 O'CLOCK NOONTIME" WHEN ACTUALLY SHE HAS SAID "12 O'CLOCK
MIDNIGHT" AND HE MIGHT STAND STILL FOR THAT MOMENT, GIVING THE WITCH
EXTRA TIME TO CATCH HIM.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting

Date learned: 09-00-1973

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JUMP-ROPE RHYME

I'M A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL DRESSED IN BLUE
HERE ARE THE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
WHISTLE TO THE CAPTAIN,
CURTSY TO THE QUEEN,
TURN MY BACK ON A SUBMARINE
I CAN TO THE HOOTCHIE-COO
I CAN DO THE FLIP
I CAN DO THEM JUST LIKE THIS

Submitter comment: WHEN THE JUMPER SAYS "JUST LIKE THIS," SHE JUMPS OUT.
A VARIANT OF THE FIRST TWO LINES IS:
I'M A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL DRESSED IN GREEN
HERE ARE THE THINGS I THINK ARE KEEN

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse

Date learned: 09-00-1973

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JUMP-ROPE RHYME

JOHNNY OVER THE OCEAN
JOHNNY OVER THE SEA
JOHNNY BROKE A MILK-BOTTLE
AND BLAMED IT ON ME
I TOLD MA
MA TOLD PA
JOHNNY GOT A LICKIN'
HA, HA, HA
HOW MANY LICKINS DID HE GET?

Submitter comment: THE ROPE IS TWIRLED AT NORMAL RATE UNTIL THE CLOSE OF THE LAST LINE,
WHEN THE SPEED OF THE ROPE IS INCREASED. (KNOWN AS HOT PEPPERS.)
THEN THE JUMPER COUNTS A NUMBER FOR EACH SUCCESSIVE JUMP, EACH
REPRESENTING ONE LICKING.
AS SOON AS THE JUMPER MISSES, HER TURN IS OVER.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse

Date learned: 09-00-1973

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JUMP-ROPE RHYME

I WENT DOWNTOWN
TO SEE MISS BROWN.
SHE GAVE ME A NICKEL
TO BUY A PICKLE.
THE PICKLE WAS SOUR
SHE GAVE ME A DOLLAR
TO BUY A FLOWER.
ON THE FLOWER WAS A BEE
THE BEE STUNG ME.
HOW MANY STINGS DID I GET?

Submitter comment: THE ROPE IS TWIRLED AT NORMAL RATE UNTIL THE CLOSE OF THE LAST LINE,
WHEN THE SPEED OF THE ROPE IS INCREASED. (KNOWN AS HOT PEPPERS.)
THEN THE JUMPER COUNTS A NUMBER FOR EACH SUCCESSIVE JUMP, EACH
REPRESENTING A BEE'S
STING. AS SOON AS THE JUMPER MISSES, HER TURN IS
OVER.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse

Date learned: 09-00-1973

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I ONCE KNEW AN OLD MAN WHO DROVE HIS OLD MODEL A
INTO TOWN EVERYDAY TO BUY THE PAPER. ON HIS WAY,
HE OFTEN HAD TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT JUST
PAST A HIGH SCHOOL. A CERTAIN FRESH KID MADE A
HABIT OF PULLING ALONGSIDE, HOLLERING "WANNA
DRAG, POPS?" THEN AS THE LIGHT CHANGED, BLAST
OFF, LEAVING POPS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE AND DUST.
WELL, POPS GOT TIRED OF THIS, SO ONE DAY HE WENT
DOWN TO JOE'S GARAGE AND SAYS TO JOE, "I WANT YOU
TO PUT IN THE BIGGEST ENGINE YOU CAN FIT UNDER THE
HOOD AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION."
JOE WAS RATHER SKEPTICAL, BUT AGREED TO DO IT.
SEVERAL DAYS LATER, POPS PICKED UP THE CAR AND
LEFT THE GARAGE WITHOUT SEEING JOE.
THAT AFTERNOON, POPS WAS SITTING AT THE LIGHT,
WAITING. THE OLD MODEL SHAKING AND QUIVERING,
WHEN THE KID PULLED UP. POP HOLLERS, "DO YOU
WANNA DRAG?" NATURALLY, THE KID SAYS YES. THE
LIGHT CHANGES AND OFF THEY GO.
JOE, THE MECHANIC, PICKS UP HIS PHONE. IT'S POPS
"WHAT IS THE MATTER, POPS?" "COME SEE," SAYS POPS.
WHEN HE GETS THERE, JOE SEES PARTS STREWN ALL
ALONG THE ROAD. "WHAT THE HELL?" SAYS JOE.
WELL, I WAS DRAGGING THIS KID; I HAD IT IN "L"
FOR "LEAP OFF," REALLY GOT THE DROP ON HIM. THEN
I PUT IT IN "D" FOR "DRAG," AND WAS BEATING THE
HELL OUT OF HIM. TO REALLY WHIP HIM GOOD, I PUT
IT IN "R" FOR "RACING" AND SOMETHING HAPPENED.

Submitter comment: PICKED UP AROUND MASSILLON, OHIO, 1958.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman

Date learned: 00-00-1958

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THE DUMB MECHANIC

A COMMON STORY TOLD AMONG TRUCKS AND MECHANICS:
BACK ABOUT 1930 WHEN I WAS HAULIN' COAL OUT OF
CADIZ (SOUTHEAST OHIO), I BOUGHT ME ONE OF THEM
NEW WHITES WITH A DIESEL ENGINE. ONE DAY, THAT BIG
BASTARD JUST WOULDN'T RUN FER SHIT, SO'S I STOPPED
AT HANK'S (SOME TRUCK STOP) AND SAYS, "HEY, HANK,
TAKE A LOOK-SEE AT WHAT AILS THIS RIG." "WELL,
HANK PROPS UP THE HOOD WITH A 4 X 4 AND STARTS
MONKEYING AROUND. SHORTLY, HE JUMPS DOWN SAYING,
'WHY, HELL MAN, IT'S A WONDER THIS THING RUNS AT ALL.
IT AIN'T GOT NO SPARK PLUGS.'"

Submitter comment: TOLD TO ME ABOUT 1957 BY A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC
WHO DROVE SCHOOL BUS AS PART-TIME JOB. HE WAS
ABOUT 60 AND TOLD IT IN THE FIRST PERSON. HAVE
HEARD THE SAME STORY TOLD IN THIRD PERSON BY A
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR WHO USED DIFFERENT
LOCALITY (HUNTINGTON, W. VA.), DIFFERENT KIND
OF TRUCK AND OTTO'S TRUCK STOP.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman

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WHENEVER A TURKEY IS CONSUMED, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO
SAVE THE "WISHBONE" (DIAGRAM ON CARD) AND LET IT DRY
TIL BRITTLE. THEN TWO PEOPLE EACH MAKE A WISH. EACH
THEN GRASPS ONE LEG OF THE WISHBONE AND PULLS.
WHOEVER GETS THE BIGGER PIECE WHEN THE BONE BREAKS
WILL HAVE HIS WISH COME TRUE.

Submitter comment: SINCE THE BELIEF THAT ONE WISH WILL COME TRUE IS NO
LONGER HELD TO ANY EXTENT, THE CUSTOM IS CONTINUED
MOSTLY JUST FOR THE FUN INVOLVED.
CUSTOM HAS BEEN IN FAMILY FOR AT LEAST 80 YEARS,
ACCORDING TO MY MOTHER AND WAS PRESENT IN MY FATHER'S
FAMILY AS WELL. MOTHER IS SECOND GENERATION AMERICAN
FROM ENGLAND.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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HELL WEEKEND IS THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE 6-8 WEEK PLEDGE
PERIOD (PERIOD OF PROBATION DURING WHICH ONE IS JOINING A
FRATERNITY OR SORORITY). MOST HELL WEEKENDS BEGIN WITH A
"PARTY" FRIDAY NIGHT, DURING WHICH MEMBERS MAKE PLEDGES DO
EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL EXERCISE. THE PLEDGES ARE THEN GIVEN A
LIST OF ITEMS (MANHOLE COVERS, BLACK LACE BRAS, G STRINGS,
USED SANITARY NAPKINS, STREET SIGNS, ETC.) WHICH THEY HAVE
TO GET DURING WHAT IS CALLED THE SCAVENGER HUNT. BY ABOUT
9:00 A.M. SATURDAY THE PLEDGES MUST HAVE A FIRE GOING AT
SOME SPECIFIED PLACE SUCH AS A STATE PARK. THE MEMBERS
ARRIVE AND GIVE THE PLEDGES "HELL" I.E., THE PLEDGES ARE
MADE TO DO MORE EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL EXERCISE ACCOMPANIED
BY MENTAL HAZING AND PHYSICAL DEGRADATION SUCH AS GETTING
EGGS, MOLASSES, AND CORN FLAKES POURED INSIDE THEIR
CLOTHES. THROUGHOUT THE DAY THE PLEDGES ARE ALSO FORCED TO
EAT VARIOUS KINDS OF HOT AND/OR DISTASTEFUL THINGS, SUCH AS
GARLIC PEPPER, GOLDFISH, TOBASCO SAUCE, ONIONS, ETC.
FINALLY ABOUT 4:00 SATURDAY AFTERNOON THE MEMBERS LEAVE AND
THE PLEDGES GO HOME TO BED. IF NONE OF THE PLEDGES HAVE
QUIT OR DONE ANYTHING TO GET A MEMBER MAD, THEY ARE INITIATED
INTO THE FRATERNITY SUNDAY NIGHT.

Submitter comment: HELL WEEKEND, AS DESCRIBED BY OMICRON TAU PLEDGE CLASS,
VERIFIED AS TYPICAL BY TAU (UPSILON?) THETA, TAU KAPPA
EPSILON, PHI KAPPA THETA, UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT, 1968.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OHIO ; DETROIT ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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WITHIN A YEAR OF THEIR INTRODUCTION, THE BELIEF
AROSE THAT, OTHER THINGS BEING REMOTELY EQUAL,
AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NEVER BE ABLE
TO BEAT A MANUAL SHIFT TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH IN A
DRAG RACE

Submitter comment: HOWEVER, LIKE MANY FOLK THEORIES IN SCIENCE, THIS
HAS BEEN DISPROVEN AS OF 1962.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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Entry filtered.

CENSORED

SINCE THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT IS INEFFECTIVE OR
INAPPROPRIATE TO SAY "FUCK YOU" OUT LOUD, AMERICAN
YOUTH HAS COME UP WITH A GESTURE WHICH WILL BE
PROPERLY INTERRPRETED IN JUST ABOUT ANY STATE OF THE
UNION. IT IS CALLED "GIVING THE FINGER." HOLD UP
A CLENCHED FIST, PALM TOWARDS YOU, WITH 2ND FINGER
EXTENDED AND STICKING STRAIGHT UP.

Submitter comment: PERSONALLY OBSERVED IN 5 DIFFERENT STATES. ALSO
SEEN USED BY GUYS FROM MANY MORE STATES.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Derision Scorn
Filter - Mature Content

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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KRAKOWIAK (POLISH DANCE)

LIKE THE AMERICAN SQUARE DANCE.

Where learned: CHILDHOOD ; NOT GIVEN ; HOME ; PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; LETTER ; OHIO ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; AUTOGRAPH BOOK ; GROSSE POINTE ; HARPER WOODS ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; WARREN ; JAPAN ; RUSSIA ; GRAND RAPIDS ; SHIPLE HALL ; GARDEN CITY ; ROYAL OAK ; TOLEDO ; TRENTON ; FARMINGTON ; KALAMAZOO ; CANADA ; ONTARIO ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; MAIL ; INDIANA ; DETROIT, ASSUMED ; TOLD AT HOME ; FERNDALE ; SOUTHFIELD ; TENNESSEE ; MACKENZIE HIGH SCHOOL ; HAMTRAMCK ; DEARBORN ; MINNESOTA ; ILLINOIS ; NEW YORK ; FLORIDA ; KOREA ; WISCONSIN ; NEW HAMPSHIRE ; STUDENT UNION ; READING ; AUSTRALIA ; Sylvania ; Sterling Heights ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; GROSSE POINTE PARK ; OAK PARK ; SOUTHGATE ; STURGEON LAKE ; REDFORD ; TOORAK ; VICTORIA ; ROSEVILLE ; LINCOLN PARK ; TRAVERSE CITY ; HUNTINGTON WOODS ; PONTIAC ; TROY ; PORT CHESTER ; SOUTH AMERICA ; BROOKVILLE ; MONTREAL ; SEOUL ; NORTH OLMSTED ; EASTOWN THEATER ; ERIE ; University of Notre Dame ; FRANKLINVILLE ; TORONTO ; TOLD AT ; TOLD BY ; TOLD IN ; SCRANTON ; MONROE ; GLENVIEW ; MOSCOW ; GULLEY ; FINLAND ; HARBOR BEACH ; HOUGHTON LAKE ; Hudson Lake ; INDIANAPOLIS ; JONESBORO ; KANSASVILLE ; LEXINGTON ; MASSILLON ; MAUCH CHUNK ; MELVINDALE ; MILFORD ; NEW ROCHELLE ; NIAGARA FALLS ; PANAMA CITY ; PATAGONIA ; ARGENTINA ; RESIDENCE HALL ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES ; TOLD AT HONORS HOUSE ; AMERICAN HISTORY CLASS

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance

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