Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for college returned 406 results.
TUG OF WAR
EVERY YEAR THE FRESHMAN CLASS HAS A TUG OF WAR WITH
THE SOPHOMORES TO SEE WHETHER THE FROSH CAN BREAK
OUT OF THE "SLAVERY" OF ORIENTATION. THE TUG OF
WAR IS FOUGHT OVER A PIT FILLED WITH USED MOTOR OIL, DRY
ICE, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES.
Where learned: HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00001967-1968
IT IS CUSTOMARY THAT THE SCHOOL CHILDREN WEAR A SMOCK
TO SCHOOL. THE COLOR OF THE SMOCK DENOTES WHAT
GRADE THE CHILD IS IN. (IN ITALY)
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
MANY YEARS AGO, THERE WAS A PRESIDENT OF A UNIVERSITY
(OR SOMETIMES IT IS A DEAN OR A PROFESSOR) WHO HAD A
LITTLE DOG NAMED PEDRO. JUST BEFORE FINALS, THE LITTLE
DOG DISAPPEARED. THE PRESIDENT WAS VERY UPSET AND
APPEALED TO THE STUDENTS TO HELP FIND THE DOG. HE
SAID IF PEDRO WAS FOUND, EXAMS WOULD BE CANCELLED AS
A REWARD. SO NATURALLY, THE STUDENTS WENT AROUND
SHOUTING, 'PEDRO! PEDRO!' THEY STILL DO IT BEFORE
EXAMS HOPING THAT SOMEHOW THE EXAMS WILL BE CANCELLED.
(AT BERKELY COLLEGE, CALIF.)
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; BERKELEY COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 10-00-1965
ST. LUKE'S DAY, OCT. 18
ON ST. LUKE'S DAY IN BALOGNA, ITALY, THE PORTRAIT OF THE MADONNA
AND CHILD, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY ST. LUKE, IS
CARRIED IN PROCESSION TO THE CHURCH OF ST. MARK WHERE THE PICTURE IS
KEPT FOR VENERATION DURING THE NEXT WEEK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F101 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
ST. AGNES' EVE--JANUARY 20
MR. CYLKOWSKI, A PROFESSOR AT MERCY (COLLEGE), TOLD HIS
CLASSES TODAY OF THE TRADITION OF ST. AGNES' EVE. I BELIEVE
HE MENTIONED THAT KEAT'S POETRY HAS IMMORTALIZED THIS TALE.
EVERY ST. AGNES' EVE (JANUARY 20, AS HER FEAST DAY IN THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH IS JANUARY 21) YOUNG LADIES WILL DREAM OF
THEIR BELOVED. WHY THIS DAY IN PARTICULAR? ST. AGNES
CHOSE MARTYRDOM TO PROCLAIM HER TRUE LOVE FOR HER LORD.
SO IT IS FITTING THAT YOUNG LADIES WILL BEHOLD THE FACE
OF THEIR BELOVED ON THE EVE OF HER FEAST.
Submitter comment:
I FOUND THIS TALE QUITE FITTING AS MR. CYLKOWSKI'S CLASS
IS COMPOSED (95%) OF YOUNG LADIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MERCY COLLEGE OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 21 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Dream about future husband CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
LE PETIT POUCET
LE PETIT POUCET UN JOUR
AU BOIS VOULET FAIRE UN TOUR
IL ECOUTAIT LES VISEAUX
CHANTER AU GORD DU RUISSEAU IL FAISAIT AVEC DES FLEURS
UN BOUQUET DE TROIS COULEURS
QUANT LE JOUR ALLAIT FINIR
IL NE SAVAIT PLUS OU REVENIR
UN GRAND LOUP LE LENDEMAIN
VOULUT LUI MONTRER LE CHEMIN
NON, NON, MONSIEUR, MAMAN HA DIT
NE SOYEZ PAS UN ETOURDIT A LECOLE ON NOUS APPREND
QUE LE LOUP EST IGNORANT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE
James Callow Keyword(s): FRENCH?
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.360 |
KNOCK KNOCK JOKE
KNOCK KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
THERMOS
THERMOS WHO?
THERMOS BE SOME ONE WAIT-TING WHO FEELS THE WAY I DO.
Submitter comment: AT MARYGROVE (DETROIT )
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 11-20-1967
TAKING A BATH DURING MENSTRUAL PERIOD, WILL NOT ONLY
STOP THE FLOW, BUT WILL CAUSE TUBERCULOSIS.
Submitter comment: FROM FRIEND.
Where learned: MERCY COLLEGE ; GIRLS DORM
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 11-24-1967
ENGAGEMENT RITUAL
THE NEWS OF AN ENGAGEMENT SUBJECTS TO AN IMMEDIATE DUNKING IN
SOME NEARBY BODY OF WATER OF THE PROSPECTIVE BRIDEGROOM.
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE ; CLAREMONT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage After engagement: fun with friends, etc. |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
THE OLD SAYING "EAT SPINACH AND BE CALM, AND STRONG,"
Submitter comment: FROM RELATIVES
Data entry tech comment: SOMETHING MISSING?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MERCY COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 11-25-1967
IN IRELAND, THE IRISH CUSTOM IN ADVENT, IS TO HAVE A
BOWL OF STRAW AND A MANGER SCENE. WHEN A GOOD DEED IS
PERFORMED, THE PERSON TAKES A PIECE OF STRAW AND PUTS
IT IN THE CRIB. THE OBJECT AND THOUGHT IS TO MAKE THE
CRIB AS SOFT AS POSSIBLE FOR THE INFANT JESUS
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; IRELAND
Keyword(s): MANGER
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 645 September 23 Equinox to December 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Manger scenes CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
THE LEGEND OF STRASBURG STREET OR "KNOCK-KNOCK" STREET
SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME A STORY ABOUT AN INCIDENT WHICH SUPPOSEDLY
OCCURRED ON STRASBURG STREET IN DETROIT. THERE WAS A TERRIBLE
ACCIDENT ON THIS STREET ONE NIGHT IN WHICH A LITTLE THREE-YEAR-
OLD GIRL WAS KILLED AND HER BODY BADLY DISMEMBERED. THE POLICE
SEARCHED THE AREA FOR HER REMAINS BUT FAILED TO LOCATE ONE OF
HER ARMS. NOW THE STORY HAS IT THAT WHEN YOU DRIVE DOWN STRASBURG
STREET AT NIGHT, IF YOU ARE VERY QUIET, YOU CAN HEAR A KNOCKING ON
THE SIDE OF YOUR CAR. FOR THIS REASON STRASBURG STREET IS KNOWN
AS KNOCK-KNOCK STREET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE
Date learned: 03-31-1970
KNOCK-KNOCK ROAD
THERE'S A CERTAIN ROAD AT BELLE ISLE CALLED KNOCK-KNOCK ROAD.
IT'S BEEN SAID THAT AN OLD WOMAN IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE LOST HER
DAUGHTER THERE. LATE AT NIGHT YOU CAN HEAR HER LOOKING FOR HER
DAUGHTER. AS CARS GO BY OVER A CERTAIN ROAD, YOU CAN HEAR HER
KNOCK ON THE WINDOW AS SHE LOOKS FOR HER DAUGHTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land |
THE FOX AND THE ROOSTER
ONCE THERE LIVED IN ARMENIA AN OLD ROOSTER, WHO ONE DAY WAS CHASED
BY A FOX. THE ROOSTER FLEW UP INTO THE BELFRY OF A NEARBY CHURCH.
THE SLY FOX WAITED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BELFRY WATCHING FOR THE
OLD ROOSTER TO FLY DOWN. JUST THEN THE OLD ROOSTER LET GO WITH
A LOAD OF HIS MANURE AND IT HIT THE FOX RIGHT IN THE EYES. THEN
THE ROOSTER FLEW PAST THE FOX AND SAID, "HA! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO
BE THE SMART ONE, BUT I OUT FOXED YOU!"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal Tale |
DOWN IN THE MEADOW
DOWN IN THE MEADOW WHERE THE GREEN GRASS GROWS, SAT SUSIE AS SWEET AS A ROSE.
SHE SANG, SHE SANG SO SWEET
ALONG CAME A BOY AND KISSED HER ON THE CHEEK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; 8425 W. MCNICHOLS
Keyword(s): PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 04-07-1970
FISHING FLEETS
IN VALENCIA, SPAIN, WHEN THE SHIPS ARE GOING OUT TO SEA ON THEIR
FISHING VOYAGES, THERE IS A TOWN CEREMONY WHERE THE PRIESTS OF THE
TOWN BLESS THE FLEETS JUST BEFORE DEPARTURE. THIS IS ALSO THE
TIME THAT THE WIVES AND SWEETHEARTS SEE THEIR MEN OFF, PERHAPS
FOR THE LAST TIME.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FISHING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
BELIEF
THIS EXPRESSION IS USED BY MY FATHER AND GRANDFATHER:
I'M GLAD I ATE WHEN I DID, 'CAUSE I'M NOT HUNGRY
NOW.
Submitter comment: THIS IS USUALLY SAID AFTER A HUGE MEAL HAS BEEN
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; DORM ; NASHVILLE ; PEABODY COLLEGE, ASSUMED
James Callow Keyword(s): HUMOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 04-03-1969
THE HEN-PECKED DEVIL
SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS AGO THE MAYOR OF HAMBURG, GERMANY,
CONTRACTED TO HAVE A BRIDGE BUILT OVER THE ELBE. THE CONTRACTOR
PROMISED TO HAVE THE JOB COMPLETED BY A CERTAIN DATE, BUT,
BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, HE WAS HOPELESSLY BEHIND SCHEDULE.
SINCE THE BUILDER KNEW THAT THE MAYOR WOULD NOT FULFILL HIS END
OF THE CONTRACT UNLESS THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE
SPRING FESTIVALS, HE MADE A PACT WITH THE DEVIL FOR ITS COMPLE-
TION. THE DEVIL WOULD COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION IN RETURN FOR THE
SOUL OF THE FIRST PERSON TO CROSS THE BRIDGE.
WHEN THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED AND TO BE DEDICATED, THE MAYOR AND
BUILDER ARGUED WITH ONE ANOTHER ABOUT WHO SHOULD BE THE FIRST TO
WALK ACROSS THE SPAN. THE MAYOR, SUSPECTING SOMETHING WAS AMISS
BECAUSE OF THE JOB'S RAPID COMPLETION, INSISTED THAT THE BUILDER
PROCEED FIRST. IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS, THE BUILDER HAD TUCKED
A HEN UNDER HIS COAT. WHEN HE APPROACHED THE MIDWAY MARK OF THE
BRIDGE WHERE THE DEVIL WAS LURKING BEHIND A COLUMN, HE THREW THE
HEN OUT TO HIM. THE DEVIL SEIZED THE BIRD, BUT WHEN HE SAW THAT
HIS CATCH WAS ONLY A HEN, HE THREW IT DOWN IN DISGUST. THE
DEVIL'S ANGER WAS SUCH THAT THE HEN WENT CLEAN THROUGH THE BRIDGE,
AND TO THIS DAY THERE IS A HOLD IN THE BRIDGE WHICH WILL NOT BE
FILLED.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD TALE FROM A GERMAN PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR AT
GANNON COLLEGE, ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE ; GANNON COLLEGE
Date learned: 10-23-1965
LEBANESE
AS IN AMERICA, AN OPEN UMBRELLA IN A HOUSE IS BAD
LUCK.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE, P882.175
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bad luck Umbrella |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
THE HEN-PECKED DEVIL
SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS AGO THE MAYOR OF HAMBURG, GERMANY,
CONTRACTED TO HAVE A BRIDGE BUILT OVER THE ELBE. THE CONTRACTOR
PROMISED TO HAVE THE JOB COMPLETED BY A CERTAIN DATE, BUT,
BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, HE WAS HOPELESSLY BEHIND SCHEDULE.
SINCE THE BUILDER KNEW THAT THE MAYOR WOULD NOT FULFILL HIS END
OF THE CONTRACT UNLESS THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE
SPRING FESTIVALS, HE MADE A PACT WITH THE DEVIL FOR ITS COMPLE-
TION. THE DEVIL WOULD COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION IN RETURN FOR THE
SOUL OF THE FIRST PERSON TO CROSS THE BRIDGE.
WHEN THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED AND TO BE DEDICATED, THE MAYOR AND
BUILDER ARGUED WITH ONE ANOTHER ABOUT WHO SHOULD BE THE FIRST TO
WALK ACROSS THE SPAN. THE MAYOR, SUSPECTING SOMETHING WAS AMISS
BECAUSE OF THE JOB'S RAPID COMPLETION, INSISTED THAT THE BUILDER
PROCEED FIRST. IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS, THE BUILDER HAD TUCKED
A HEN UNDER HIS COAT. WHEN HE APPROACHED THE MIDWAY MARK OF THE
BRIDGE WHERE THE DEVIL WAS LURKING BEHIND A COLUMN, HE THREW THE
HEN OUT TO HIM. THE DEVIL SEIZED THE BIRD, BUT WHEN HE SAW THAT
HIS CATCH WAS ONLY A HEN, HE THREW IT DOWN IN DISGUST. THE
DEVIL'S ANGER WAS SUCH THAT THE HEN WENT CLEAN THROUGH THE BRIDGE,
AND TO THIS DAY THERE IS A HOLD IN THE BRIDGE WHICH WILL NOT BE
FILLED.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD TALE FROM A GERMAN PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR AT
GANNON COLLEGE, ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE ; GANNON COLLEGE
Date learned: 10-23-1965