Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for BIRMINGHAM returned 584 results.
OBJECTS USED FOR PREDICTION
AT WEDDING SHOWERS, THE RIBBONS OFF THE BRIDE'S PRESENTS
ARE HANDLED CAREFULLY! FOR EACH RIBBON SHE BREAKS AS SHE
OPENS THE PRESENTS, SHE'S SUPPOSED TO HAVE A CHILD, SO IF SHE
BREAKS FOUR RIBBONS, SHE WILL HAVE FOUR CHILDREN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-00-1983
TOAST
HERE'S TO THE GUYS WE LOVE. HERE'S TO THE GUYS WHO
LOVE US. IF THE GUYS WE LOVE DON'T LOVE US,
FORGET THE GUYS. HERE'S TO US!
Submitter comment:
THIS TOAST IS USED MOSTLY BY ADOLESCENT GIRLS TO
HELP DISPEL THE PAIN OF UNREQUITED LOVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
TANGLETALK
ONE BRIGHT DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT,
TWO DEAD BOYS GOT UP TO FIGHT.
BACK TO BACK THEY FACED EACH OTHER,
DREW THEIR SWORDS AND SHOT EACH OTHER.
THE DEAF POLICEMAN HEARD THE NOISE;
CAME OUT AND SHOT THE TWO DEAD BOYS.
IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THIS LIE IS TRUE,
ASK THE BLIND MAN WHO SAW IT TOO!
Submitter comment:
I COLLECTED THIS FROM SOME TWELVE YEAR OLD BOYS WHO RACED THROUGH
IT IN A SING-SONG MANNER. IT SEEMED TO ME THAT WHOEVER COULD
FINISH RECITING FIRST TOOK PRIDE IN HIS SPEED, BUT NONE OF THE
BOYS WERE VERY CONCERNED WITH ACCURACY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Prose Narrative Prose Narrative SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
BALLAD
I ONCE KNEW A LORD BY THE NORTHERN SEA. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
I ONCE KNEW A LORD BY THE NORTHERN SEA,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
I ONCE KNEW A LORD BY THE NORTHERN SEA,
HE HAD DAUGHTERS - ONE, TWO, THREE.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
A YOUNG PRINCE CAME A COURTING THERE. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
A YOUNG PRINCE CAME A COURTING THERE,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
A YOUNG PRINCE CAME A COURTING THERE,
HE CHOSE THE YOUNG, HE CHOSE THE FAIR
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A BEAVER HAT. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A BEAVER HAT,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A BEAVER HAT,
THE UGLY TWO THOUGHT HORRID OF THAT.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A GOLDEN RING. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A GOLDEN RING,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
HE GAVE HIS LOVE A GOLDEN RING,
THE UGLY TWO THOUGHT THAT A TERRIBLE THING.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
THE THREE WALKED DOWN BY THE WATER'S RIM. BOW BOWN, BOW DOWN.
THE THREE WALKED DOWN BY THE WATER'S RIM,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
THE THREE WALKED DOWN BY THE WATER'S RIM,
THE UGLY TWO PUSHED THE FAIR ONE IN.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
SHE FLOATED DOWN WHERE THE MILLER SAT. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
SHE FLOATED DOWN WHERE THE MILLER SAT,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
SHE FLOATED DOWN WHERE THE MILLER SAT,
HE TOOK THE GOLD RING AND THE BEAVER HAT.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
THE UGLY TWO THEY WERE BURNED AT THE STAKE. BOW DOWN, BOW DOWN.
THE UGLY TWO THEY WERE BURNED AT THE STAKE,
BOW AND BALANCE TO ME.
THE UGLY TWO THEY WERE BURNED AT THE STAKE,
THE MILLER WAS HANGED FOR WHAT HE DID TAKE.
I WILL BE TRUE, TRUE TO MY LOVE,
LOVE AND MY LOVE WILL BE TRUE TO ME.
Submitter comment:
THIS BALLAD, A VARIATION OF "THE TWA SISTERS", WAS LEARNED
BY MR. CARAHER IN 1956 WHEN HE WORKED IN INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN
AT INTERLOCHEN'S MUSIC ACADEMY. LONG EVENINGS WERE SPENT
SINGING AND "LEARNING HOW TO DRINK BEER WITHOUT THROWING UP."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ballad Epic |
NAMING
THE BALLPARK
"THE BALLPARK" THAT MEANS THAT YOU'RE ALL DOLLED UP.
YOU KNOW. IT'S LIKE WHEN YOU'RE GOING OUT IN YOUR NEW OUTFIT
AND YOU LOOK GOOOOD. "I AM JUST THE BALLPARK!"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Proper Name |
TAUNT
"YOUR BRAIN IS LIKE TEFLON; NOTHING STICKS TO IT."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): MODERN
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-00-1983
HELEN KELLER JOKE
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE NEW HELEN KELLER DOLLS?
YOU WIND THEM UP AND THEY WALK INTO WALLS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
JUMP ROPE CHANT
CINDERELLA DRESSED IN YELLOW WENT DOWNSTAIRS TO KISS HER FELLOW
HOW MANY KISSES COULD SHE TAKE? 1...2...3...4....
Submitter comment:
THE PEOPLE TWIRLING THE ROPE COUNT HOW MANY TIMES THE ONE JUMPING
CAN SUCCESSFULLY JUMP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 12-04-1983
MISS SUE SONG
MISS SUE, MISS SUE, MISS SUE FROM ALABAMA, SITTING IN A ROCKER
EATING BETTY CROCKER WATCHING THE TIME GO
TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK-FOLOMINOC, A,B,C,D,E,F,G, WIPE THESE SPOTS
RIGHT OFF OF ME, MOONSHINE, MOONSHINE, MOONSHINE FREEZE 1,2,3,40!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse |
Date learned: 12-04-1983
QUACK
BEGINNING CADDIES (PEOPLE WHO CARRY GOLF BAGS),
ARE ALWAYS CALLED "QUACKS." PEOPLE WHO HAVE
CADDIED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, BUT LOUSY CADDIES,
ARE ALSO CALLED QUACKS.
Submitter comment:
THE TERM "QUACK" IS DERIVED FROM THE NOISY DUCKS
THAT INHABIT THE GOLF COURSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | 555 Games / Pastimes / Sports |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
CHICKEN
CHICKEN IS A GAME, PLAYED BY CADDIES, THAT
IS SIMILAR TO OTHER GAMES OF DARE. HOWEVER,
ONE OF THE PEOPLE PARTAKING IN THE GAME
MAY NOT KNOW HE IS PLAYING.
TO PLAY CHICKEN, PARTICIPAINTS MUST BE WILLING
TO RISK POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OR EVEN DISMISSAL.
BAGS ARE RIGGED TO FALL APART, AND GOLF CLUB
GRIPS ARE SOAKED WITH WATER TO MAKE THEM
VERY DIFFICULT TO PLAY WITH. THERE ARE NO
WINNERS IN THIS GAME, BUT IT DOES PRODUCE SOME
VERY FUNNY SITUATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THERE ARE MANY GAMES THAT CAN BE PLAYED BY
GOLFERS ON THE GOLF COURSE. THESE ARE
UNOFFICIAL GAMES THAT ARE PLAYED FOR THE
OF BETTING.
GREENIES- ANY TEE SHOT THAT LANDS ON THE GREEN.
ONLY PLAYED ON PAR THREES.
SANDIES- WHEN A PERSON CHIPS OUT OF A SAND TRAP,
ONTO THE GREEN, AND PARS THE HOLE, HE
RECEIVES A SANDY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
CADDIES HAVE A HIERARCHY OF RANK WHICH
WORKS BY SENIORITY. THE PERSON WITH THE
MOST SENIORITY, EVEN IF HE IS NOT OF THE
HIGHEST RANK, GETS TO GO FIRST, HAVE THE
BEST, OR WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
Submitter comment: THIS IS NOTED IN CALLOW'S FOLKLORE CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): AGE
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THERE WAS THIS SCIENTIST WHO WAS EXPLORING IN THE ADRONDACK MT[ S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Poli |
Date learned: 10-24-1987
NO GAINS WITHOUT PAINS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-10-1987
JEWISH CUSTOM
IN A JEWISH FUNERAL RITUAL, THERE WILL BE A MEAL FOR THE
MOURNERS AT THE HOME OF THE DECEASED AFTER THE
SERVICES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM ; TRADITIONAL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: UNKNOWN
THIS WAS A SORT OF PRANK PLAYED ON THE NEW MEMBERS
OF OUR BOYSCOUT GROUP.
THE VETERAN MEMBERS WOULD SEND THE NEW MEMBERS
ON A HUNT IN SEARCH OF A SNIPE (AN IMAGINARY ANIMAL).
THE VETERANS WOULD URGE THE NEW MEMBERS ON WITH CRIES
OF "THERE'S ONE," SENDING THE NOVICES RUNNING THROUGH
THE WOODS IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING WHICH DIDN'T EXIST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 12-04-1967
A LEBANESE CUSTOM
WHENEVER A MALE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY WANTS TO GET MARRIED,
HE HAS TO PROVIDE THE FIRST COOKING UTENCIL FOR HIS
BRIDE. HE HAS TO GO TO A PARTICULAR SPOT, RICH IN
COPPER; HE HAS TO MELT THE COPPER DOWN AND CAST IT
INTO A COOLING POT, OTHERWISE HE CANNOT GET MARRIED.
HE IS WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY AND OTHERS TO
MAKE SURE HE ACCOMPLISHES THIS BY HIMSELF.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH MY MOTHER, WHO WORKS
WITH THE INFORMANT. THIS CUSTOM WAS A PARTICULAR
TRADITION IN THE HAJJAR FAMILY YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM ; LEBANON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 04-08-1965
IN OLD NEW ENGLAND A GIRL STARTS A HOPE CHEST IN ANXIETY
TO GET MARRIED WHEN SHE IS OLDER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Hope chests |
Date learned: 03-29-1971
AFTER A JEWISH WEDDING CEREMONY, THE GROOM STEPS ON,
AND SHOULD BREAK, A WINE GOBLET FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Stepping on wine glass |