Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for PENNSYLVANIA returned 515 results.
GHOST HILL
MY INFORMANT WORKED AT CAMP SEMECONON OUTSIDE BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA
ONE SUMMER AND TOLD ME OF THIS OLD LADY THAT LIVED ON TOP OF THIS
VERY HIGH HILL WITH HER BROTHER WHO WAS ALSO AGED. ON THE WAY TO
THIS OLD LADY'S LOG CABIN THERE WAS AN OLD GRAVE YARD JUST OFF THE
PATH ABOUT 3/4 UP THE HILL. SOME OF THE TOMBSTONES WERE DATED IN
THE LATE 1700'S. THE OLD LADY WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW THE SPIRITS
OF THE PEOPLE BURIED IN THIS GRAVEYARD WOULD START YELLING AND EVEN
FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES. THE LADY SEEMED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT SHE
WAS SAYING AND EVERY TIME MY INFORMANT WOULD ASK HER BROTHER ABOUT
THESE THINGS, HE WOULDN'T SAY A WORD AND SEEMED TO GET FRIGHTENED
WHENEVER THE SUBJECT WAS BROUGHT UP.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
GHOST HILL
MY INFORMANT WORKED AT CAMP SEMECONON OUTSIDE BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA
ONE SUMMER AND TOLD ME OF THIS OLD LADY THAT LIVED ON TOP OF THIS
VERY HIGH HILL WITH HER BROTHER WHO WAS ALSO AGED. ON THE WAY TO
THIS OLD LADY'S LOG CABIN THERE WAS AN OLD GRAVE YARD JUST OFF THE
PATH ABOUT 3/4 UP THE HILL. SOME OF THE TOMBSTONES WERE DATED IN
THE LATE 1700'S. THE OLD LADY WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW THE SPIRITS
OF THE PEOPLE BURIED IN THIS GRAVEYARD WOULD START YELLING AND EVEN
FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES. THE LADY SEEMED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT SHE
WAS SAYING AND EVERY TIME MY INFORMANT WOULD ASK HER BROTHER ABOUT
THESE THINGS, HE WOULDN'T SAY A WORD AND SEEMED TO GET FRIGHTENED
WHENEVER THE SUBJECT WAS BROUGHT UP.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
THE DRIVERLESS CAR
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THIS YOUNG FELLA WHO WAS HITCH HIKING ON A
LONELY COUNTRY ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. IT WAS RAINING AND
COLD AND NO CARS HAD PASSED IN OVER AN HOUR. THE BOY LOOKED DOWN
THR ROAD AND SAW THE HEADLIGHTS OF AN APPROACHING CAR. THE CAR WAS
GOING REAL SLOW. IT WOULD STOP NOW AND THEN AND THEN START GOING
REAL SLOW. WHEN FINALLY THE CAR GOT TO THE BOY IT STOPPED. THE
BOY LOOKED IN AND SAW THAT THERE WAS NO ONE DRIVING. WELL IT WAS
RAINING AND COLD AND THE BOY WAS TIRED SO THE BOY GOT INSIDE THE CAR
THEN THE CAR STARTED TO GO REAL SLOW. THE BOY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO
MAKE OF IT BUT FIGURED IT WAS BETTER THAN BEING OUT IN THE COLD RAIN
SO HE SAID TO THE EMPTY DRIVER'S SEAT NEXT TO HIM, "DROP ME OFF AT
THE NEXT TOWN." THE CAR KEPT ON GOING REAL SLOW AND ABOUT AN HOUR
LATER CAME TO A TOWN AND STOPPED IN FRONT OF A HOTEL. THE BOY GOT
OUT OF THE CAR. ALL OF A SUDDEN A MAN ALL BEAT OUT AND SOAKING WET
CAME UP TO HIM OUT OF NO WHERE AND SAYS, "IT SURE IS A TERRIBLE NIGH
OUT." "IT SURE IS," SAID THE BOY. "YOU KNOW," SAYS THE MAN, "I RAN
OUT OF GAS AND I'VE BEEN PUSHING THIS CAR ALL THE WAY FROM THE LAST
TOWN BACK THERE." THE BOY JUST SMILED BACK AT THE MAN AND SAID AS H
TURNED AND WALKED AWAY, "THANKS FOR THE RIDE."
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): SURPRISE ENDING CARS DRIVING MYSTERY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Man |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
STRANGE LIGHT
JUST OUTSIDE PITTSBURG THERE REMAINS THE RUINS OF A LARGE COLONIAL
MANSION AND SOME STABLES. THE FAMILY THAT HAD LIVED THERE WERE
VERY RICH YET THE ENTIRE FAMILY WAS KILLED ONE BY ONE BY A STRANGE
EPIDEMIC THAT SWEPT THROUGH THE HOUSE. AS A MEMBER WOULD DIE HE
WOULD BE BURIED THIRTY YARDS BEHIND THE MANSION IN A SMALL WOODED
AREA. THE ENTIRE FAMILY WAS BURIED THERE AND OVER THIS ENTIRE
BURIAL AREA WAS PLACED A MOSAIC PATIO. IF ON PASSING THIS SPOT AT
NIGHT YOU WILL SEE A GLOWING, BLUE LIGHT COMING FROM THIS MOSAIC
PATIO.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
HAUNTED HOUSE
THERE IS A 200 YEAR OLD COLONIAL HOUSE STANDING OUTSIDE OF PITTSBURG
PENN., WHERE IT IS SAID THAT GEORGE WASHINGTON SPENT SOME TIME THERE
SINCE HIS FAMILY OWNED SOME LAND NEAR THIS MANSION. A TEENAGE
GIRL LIVES THERE AND STATES THAT THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED COMPLAINING
OF STRANGE NOISES. SHE HAS DONE A COUPLE OF TERM PAPERS ON THE
SUBJECT OF THIS HAUNTED HOUSE FOR THE HIGHSCHOOL SHE ATTENDS. SHE
HAS HER CLAIMS AND THE OTHER GIRLS ALSO SAY THAT THEY HEARD STRANGE
NOISES WHILE THEY WERE THERE.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Secular hero |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
SUPERSTITION
ALWAYS CLEAR YOUR PLATE OR IT WILL RAIN TOMMORROW.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
SUPERSTITION
ALWAYS LEAVE THRU THE SAME DOOR YOU ENTERED OR BAD LUCK WILL COME
Submitter comment: MY GRANDMOTHER IS VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT THIS SUPERSTITION. SHE WILL EVEN BE SURE TO DO THIS IN STORES
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
GHOST HILL
MY INFORMANT WORKED AT CAMP SEMECONON OUTSIDE BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA
ONE SUMMER AND TOLD ME OF THIS OLD LADY THAT LIVED ON TOP OF THIS
VERY HIGH HILL WITH HER BROTHER WHO WAS ALSO AGED. ON THE WAY TO
THIS OLD LADY'S LOG CABIN THERE WAS AN OLD GRAVE YARD JUST OFF THE
PATH ABOUT 3/4 UP THE HILL. SOME OF THE TOMBSTONES WERE DATED IN
THE LATE 1700'S. THE OLD LADY WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW THE SPIRITS
OF THE PEOPLE BURIED IN THIS GRAVEYARD WOULD START YELLING AND EVEN
FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES. THE LADY SEEMED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT SHE
WAS SAYING AND EVERY TIME MY INFORMANT WOULD ASK HER BROTHER ABOUT
THESE THINGS, HE WOULDN'T SAY A WORD AND SEEMED TO GET FRIGHTENED
WHENEVER THE SUBJECT WAS BROUGHT UP.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery |
PARENTAL WEDDING BLESSING
BEFORE THE BRIDAL COUPLE GO TO CHURCH FOR THE CEREMONY,
THEY RECEIVE A PARENTAL BLESSING. THE BRIDE'S PARENTS ARE
SEATED HOLDING AN ICON OF OUR LADY. THE COUPLE KNEEL
BEFORE THEM. THEY ASK FOR THEIR BLESSING. THE PARENTS HOLD
UP THE ICON AND BLESS THEM SAYING, "MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND
WE GIVE OUR BLESSING TOO." THE BRIDE AND GROOM KISS THE
ICON AND HER PARENTS. THE SAME CEREMONY IS REPEATED BEFORE
THE GROOM'S PARENTS WHO ARE HOLDING THE ICON OF CHRIST.
IN CASE A PARENT IS DECEASED, A CHAIR IS LEFT EMPTY. THEY
ACKNOWLEDGE THE DECEASED PARENT.
Submitter comment: THESE ICONS ARE GIVEN TO THE COUPLE FOR THEIR HOME.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Parents' blessing |
Date learned: 00001950S
NO BUILDING CAN BE BUILT HIGHER THAN WILLIAM PENN'S HAT ON
TOP OF CITY HALL.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
James Callow Keyword(s): HEIGHT OF BUILDING ; STATUE OF WILLIAM PENN
| Subject headings: | Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Architecture BELIEF -- Secular hero |
Date learned: 11-30-1972
Entry filtered.
CLIMBING
WHEN CLIMBING THE LADDER TO SUCCESS,/ DON'T LET THE BOYS LOOK
UNDER YOUR DRESS.
Submitter comment:
SHE REMEMBERED THIS ITEM FROM TIMES WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG. BUT
IT WAS TOLD TO HER BY HER MOTHER AND NEIGHBORS USUALLY BY WORD
OF MOUTH. HER MOTHER AS WELL AS HER MOTHER'S MOTHER BELIEVED
THAT OLD SAYINGS ARE WORTH REMEMBERING. THE INFORMANT REGARDS
THIS FOLK ITEM AS A PIECE OF GOLD FOR A GUIDE LINE OF LIFE'S
EXPERIENCE.
SHE LEARNED THIS ITEM IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; VIRGINIA ; PHILADELPHIA ; RICHMOND
James Callow Keyword(s): METAPHOR
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
LIFE
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME BECAUSE THIS IS THE BASIC ELEMENT OF
LIFE, AS YOU KNOW LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT, IF YOU
WASTE ALL YOUR TIME, THINK...WHAT YOU HAVE GAINED IN LIFE.
Submitter comment:
SHE REMEMBERED THIS ITEM FROM TIMES WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG. BUT
IT WAS TOLD TO HER FROM HER MOTHER AND NEIGHBORS USUALLY BY WORD
OF MOUTH. HER MOTHER AS WELL AS HER MOTHER'S MOTHER BELIEVED
THAT OLD SAYINGS ARE WORTH REMEMBERING. THE INFORMANT REGARDS
THIS FOLK ITEM AS A PIECE OF GOLD FOR A GUIDE LINE OF LIFE'S
EXPERIENCE.
SHE LEARNED THIS ITEM IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
THIS IS A SAYING CONCERNING THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; VIRGINIA ; PHILADELPHIA ; RICHMOND
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
THE MILK SNAKE
THE MILK SNAKE CRAWLS INTO A FARMER'S BARN AT NIGHT AND SUCKS ALL
OR NEARLY ALL OF THE MILK FROM THE COW BEFORE THE FARMER COMES
TO DO THE MILKING.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN MY EARLY ADOLESCENT STAGE IN MY HOME TOWN.
THIS WAS SOMETHING LEARNED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MY PLAY MATES.
THIS TALE IS A VERY SHORT VERSION OF AN ANECDOTE.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal BELIEF -- Animal |
Date learned: CA06171966
SEE AND TALK
QUESTION: WHAT IS IT, ALL HAVE BODIES, SOME LONG LEGS, MOST
CAN'T TALK, CAN'T WALK, CAN'T HEAR, HAS A FACE THAT WILL TRULY
CATCH A GLIMPSE.
ANSWER: TV OR TV(S).
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN MY EARLY ADOLESCENT STAGE IN MY HOME TOWN.
THIS IS SOMETHING LEARNED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MY PLAY MATES.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1972
SPEED PLUS ACCURACY
QUESTION: WHAT CAN KILL YOU FASTER THAN A TRAVELING
BULLET?
ANSWER: YOUR HEART.
Submitter comment:
SHE REMEMBERED THIS ITEM FROM TIMES WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG. BUT
IT WAS TOLD TO HER FROM HER MOTHER AND NEIGHBORS USUALLY BY WORD
OF MOUTH. HER MOTHER AS WELL AS HER MOTHER'S MOTHER BELIEVED
THAT OLD SAYINGS ARE WORTH REMEMBERING. THE INFORMANT REGARDS
THIS FOLK ITEM AS A PIECE OF GOLD FOR A GUIDE LINE OF LIFE'S
EXPERIENCE.
SHE LEARNED THIS ITEM IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
THIS ITEM IS A QUESTIONING RIDDLE.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; VIRGINIA ; PHILADELPHIA ; RICHMOND
| Subject headings: | -- |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
HAS A TONGUE BUT CAN'T DRINK
QUESTION: WHAT HAS A TONGUE AND GOES TO THE WATER AND STILL
CAN'T DRINK?
ANSWER: A SHOE.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN MY EARLY ADOLESCENT STAGE IN MY HOME TOWN.
THIS IS SOMETHING LEARNED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MY PLAY MATES.
THIS IS A RIDDLING QUESTION WITH A NON-PREDICTABLE ANSWER.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: CA06171966
ROPE-JUMPING
YELLOW, YELLOW, THAT UGLY FELLOW
HOW MANY TIMES DID HE FALL DOWN IN THE MEADOW.
THEN YOU START JUMPING ROPE FROM NUMBER ONE, UNTIL YOU STOP.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN MY EARLY ADOLESCENT STAGE IN MY HOME TOWN.
THIS WAS SOMETHING LEARNED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MY PLAY MATES.
THIS IS A TRUE GAME INVOLVING MUCH PHYSICAL ACTION AND COMPETITION.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1972
GREETINGS
SOME OF THE WAYS OF GREETING OTHER FOLKS, WHILE PASSING ARE:
WHAT IT IS: OK...WHAT'S THE DEAL: YOU MIGHT REPLY..AIN'T NO
HAPPENINGS: YOU: OR NOTHING TO IT MAN (IF IT IS A MALE).
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN MY EARLY ADOLESCENT STAGE IN MY HOME TOWN.
THIS WAS SOMETHING LEARNED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MY PLAY MATES.
THESE ARE GREETINGS WHICH ARE NORMALLY SAID AMONG THE
YOUNG BLACK FOLK.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
James Callow Keyword(s): NEGRO
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: CA06171966
GOOD LUCK
IF YOU STUMPLE ON YOUR FOOT, OR IT MAY ITCH, THAT'S A
SIGN FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
SHE REMEMBERED THIS ITEM FROM TIMES WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG. BUT
IT WAS TOLD TO HER FROM HER MOTHER AND NEIGHBORS USUALLY BY WORD
OF MOUTH. HER MOTHER AS WELL AS HER MOTHER'S MOTHER BELIEVED
THAT OLD SAYINGS ARE WORTH REMEMBERING. THE INFORMANT REGARDS
THIS FOLK ITEM AS A PIECE OF GOLD FOR A GUIDE LINE OF LIFE'S
EXPERIENCE.
SHE LEARNED THIS ITEM IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
THIS IS A SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEF.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; VIRGINIA ; PHILADELPHIA ; RICHMOND
James Callow Keyword(s): STUMBLE?
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions Itching hands and feet BELIEF -- Good luck P881.2 |
Date learned: 00-00-1935